A system of national government in which power is divided between a central authority and a number of regions with delimited self-governing authority.
Covenantalism.
The belief that such a system is superior to other forms of government.
A government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power; this system of government.
The office or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.
Extreme severity or rigour.
Absolute power, or its use.
A system of government in which power is exercised on behalf of the ruler or ruling class, without regard to the wishes of the governed.