Answer:
Authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and despotism are all forms of government that have certain characteristics in common, but they are also distinct in some ways.
Characteristics of authoritarianism:
Limited political freedom and civil liberties
Strong centralized power and control over the government and society
A single leader or small group of leaders hold significant power
Limited or no participation in political decision-making
Repression of political opposition and control of the media
Characteristics of totalitarianism:
Total control over all aspects of society, including the economy, education, and culture
A single leader or small group of leaders hold absolute power
Limited or no political freedoms and civil liberties
Use of propaganda and control of the media to shape public opinion
Repression of political opposition and use of secret police to maintain control
A strong sense of nationalism and a cult of personality around the leader
Characteristics of despotism:
Absolute power is held by a single ruler
Limited or no political freedoms and civil liberties
No or limited participation in political decision-making
Repression of political opposition and control of the media
No or limited accountability for the ruler's actions
No or limited rule of law and arbitrary decision-making
It's worth noting that these forms of government can overlap and share characteristics with each other, but there are still clear distinctions between them.