Here are some key characteristics of a sole ruler:
* Unchallenged authority: They have the final say on all matters, including laws, policies, and the appointment of officials.
* Absolute power: They are not bound by any limitations on their power, such as a constitution or a parliament.
* Single leader: They rule alone, without sharing power with anyone else.
Examples of sole rulers throughout history include:
* Monarchs: Kings, queens, emperors, and empresses who inherited their power through a lineage or claim to divine right.
* Dictators: Individuals who seize power through force or through a rigged election.
* Autocrats: Leaders who rule with absolute authority and disregard the rights of their citizens.
It's important to note that the term "sole ruler" can have different connotations depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used to describe a benevolent leader who is widely respected and admired. In other cases, it may refer to a tyrannical ruler who is feared and despised by their subjects.
The use of the term "sole ruler" is often associated with systems of government that are considered authoritarian or totalitarian. However, it's important to remember that even in democracies, there are situations where a single individual may have a significant amount of power.