Under certain conditions, the idea of a dictator can sound appealing, like when a democracy isn’t functioning as it should due to corruption or political polarization. People may believe the solution is a "benevolent dictator"— a leader...

So far, the rulers of Europe have been working to consolidate their power and expand their kingdoms, and this is it. The moment they've been working toward: Absolute Monarchy. We're going to learn about how kings and queens became...

A Dictatorship is Characterized by a single ruler holding absolute power. Roman Dictators such as Julius Caesar and Nero ruled with no mercy. Dictators like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan conquered their domains. Dictators were...

Every country on Earth is run by some form of government – but there are many different kinds, from autocracies and oligarchies to direct and representative democracies.

This video examines the nature of dictatorships, where a single leader holds unchecked power. It contrasts dictatorships with monarchies, traces their historical evolution, and discusses infamous dictators like Julius Caesar, Adolf...

"Types of Monarchies" analyzes the purposes, structure, and functions of absolute and constitutional monarchies.

Every country on Earth is run by some form of government – but there are many different kinds, from autocracies and oligarchies to direct and representative democracies.

The case of the murdered monarchies continues! Russia is far and away the most famous monarchy to crumble to dust, and boy did it ever. When Nicholas II became Tsar, he told his brother-in-law, and I quote “I am not yet ready to be Tsar....

Feudalism was dying. In the age of globe-spanning colonial empires, commercial printing, and the scientific revolution, the idea of a state held together by a myriad of personal arrangements between ruler and nobility was beginning to...

Why don’t the people of Oceania revolt against the Party and Big Brother?

This lesson explores the theme of power and totalitarianism in George Orwell’s ‘1984’. Discover the Party’s tools of control, including the Thought Police...

Don’t forget, Big Brother is watching you.

This lesson explores the theme of surveillance in George Orwell’s ‘1984’. Uncover the different types of surveillance found in Airstrip One, including telescreens, the Thought Police and...

Watch this lesson today to discover how Shakespeare explores the theme of power in Julius Caesar. See how political power can be wielded for good or evil, and how absolute power can corrupt somebody.

Along the way, learn how to...

James Caan at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Clint Eastwood at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Marquee at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Dennis Haysbert at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

EG Marshall at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Dennis Haysbert at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Clint Eastwood at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Melora Hardin at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

EG Marshall at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Gil Garcetti at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

Scott Glenn at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)

dina eastwood at the 'Absolute Power' Premiere at the Mann Festival Theater in Westwood, California on February 4, 1997. (Footage by WireImage Video/Getty Images)