Final answer:
Machiavellianism is the term that describes the degree to which someone uses power manipulatively. It reflects a personality trait where individuals use deceit and manipulation for personal gain, whereas authoritarianism relates to a form of government with strong central power and limited freedoms. Thus, the option c is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Machiavellianism is the degree to which someone uses power manipulativey. Named after the political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote ‘The Prince,’ this term refers to a person's tendency to deceive and manipulate others for personal gain. In contrast, authoritarianism refers to a system of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, and it exemplifies how rulers may exercise power. People with a high level of Machiavellianism are often skilled in manipulating situations and people to gain power or achieve their goals. They are strategic in their approach, skilled in social influence, and often lack emotionality. The contrast between Machiavellianism and authoritarianism is important because while Machiavellians may or may not be in positions of formal authority, authoritarian leaders exercise power over others through official or institutional mechanisms, often with little regard for individual freedoms.