A totalitarian government is a type of government in which one person or party has absolute control over the citizens and their lives. This type of government is often characterized by a DICTATORSHIP, AUTOCRACY, DESPOTISM, or iron rule. A DICTATORSHIP is a form of government in which absolute power is held by one person, while an AUTOCRACY is a form of government in which one person has absolute power and authority. DESPOTISM is a form of government in which one person has absolute power and authority, and iron rule is a form of government in which one person or party has absolute control over the citizens and their lives.