1.
despotism; autocracy; autocratic government
A system of government in which a single ruler or small group holds absolute power without constitutional or democratic constraints. Used in historical, political, and academic contexts.
専制政治は国民の自由を奪う。
Autocratic rule robs the people of their freedom.
フランス革命は専制政治に対する民衆の反乱だった。
The French Revolution was a popular uprising against despotic rule.
世界にはいまだに専制政治が続く国があり、国際社会から批判を受けている。
There are still countries where autocratic rule continues, drawing criticism from the international community.
Composed of 専制 (autocracy, despotism) and 政治 (politics, government). The 専制 component means exclusive or monopolistic control. A standard term in history textbooks and political science.
USAGE:
Commonly encountered in world history education when discussing absolute monarchies, dictatorships, and pre-modern political systems. Also used in contemporary commentary about authoritarian regimes. More formal and academic than simply calling a government 独裁 (dictatorship).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 専制政治を行う: to carry out autocratic rule
- 専制政治を打倒する: to overthrow despotic rule
- 専制政治の時代: the era of autocratic rule
- 専制政治に苦しむ: to suffer under despotism
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 独裁政治: dictatorship — emphasizes rule by a single dictator; more modern and direct
- 専制: autocracy, despotism — the shorter form, usable on its own as a noun
- 絶対王政: absolute monarchy — specifically refers to monarchical despotism, as in pre-revolutionary France
- 民主政治: democratic government — the opposite concept