What is a "despot" likely to be characterized by?

A despot is typically characterized by exercising absolute power and authority. This means that a despot holds unchecked power over the state and its people, often governing without the constraint of laws or democratic processes. Such leadership often relies on authoritarian control, where the despot's will is imposed without consideration for the will or rights of the populace. In contrast, the other options—democratic rules, parliamentary governance, and collective leadership—entail systems where power is distributed or constrained through institutions or groups, which stands in stark opposition to the concept of a despot. The defining feature of a despot is the centralization of authority in one individual, making absolute power an accurate description of this type of ruler.