Final answer:
The condition described by the student, where nobody or everybody is in control, is known as anarchy, which signifies the absence of an organized government or authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
When no one is in control or everyone is, it refers to a state of anarchy, which is the absence of organized government. This concept contrasts with other forms of governance such as autocracy, totalitarianism, and federalism.
Anarchy is characterized by a lack of overarching governing authority, which can lead to a sense of disorder. Autocracy refers to a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, and totalitarianism describes a government that exercises complete control over its citizens' lives, suppressing dissent and surveillance. Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, promoting a balance of control. The best answer to the student's question is anarchy, reflecting a scenario where nobody is in control or everyone is, depending on the perspective taken.