In a dictatorship, political power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or ruling party, often characterized by the absence of democratic processes. Citizens typically lack meaningful participation in governance, and dissent is often suppressed through repression or censorship. The ruling entity maintains control through state mechanisms, including the military and law enforcement, which enforce policies without public consent. This concentration of power leads to a lack of checks and balances, undermining the principles of accountability and representation found in democratic systems. Consequently, political freedoms and individual rights are frequently compromised.