Final answer:
An autocratic government is one in which a single person or a very small group exercises complete and absolute authority without elected representation. It is often marked by the suppression of public liberties and is maintained through control and intimidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term autocratic used in the context of the reading refers to a type of government or rule where a single person or a very small group has complete and absolute power over a country or a group of people. This form of government does not involve elected individuals and can often result in the limiting or eradication of public liberties. The power in an autocracy is usually maintained through various tactics such as economic control, military might, intimidation, and even violence, thereby reducing the likelihood of opposition from the populace.
In contrast to democratic governments, where citizens have an equal vote and say in state policy, autocratic governments are characterized by lack of public participation in decision-making processes and often by the absence of accountability for the ruler's actions. Historically, such governments have been prone to corruption and abuses of power, as they are not subject to the checks and balances that often exist in democratic systems.