Final answer:
The political philosophy characterized by strict laws, harsh punishments, and a focus on the power of the state and ruler is Authoritarianism (A).
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes a political philosophy characterized by strict laws, harsh punishments, and an emphasis on increasing the power of the state and the ruler is A) Authoritarianism. This form of government involves a nondemocratic system with centralized power, where civil rights and liberties are often limited. Authoritarian regimes enforce obedience to authority and typically uphold a strong sense of nationalism, social hierarchy, and a disdain for democratic principles, resembling aspects of a totalitarian political system.
The ancient Chinese school of thought known as Legalism also advocated for a similar authoritarian approach. Legalists proposed the use of ruthless governmental policies to maintain control over the populace during the Warring States period.
Different political ideologies throughout history have emphasized various systems of governance. Some have supported the idea of virtuous monarchies or aristocracies, while others have advocated for representative or republican systems. In contrast, philosophies like anarchy argue against the imposition of state power on individuals, promoting individual autonomy above all.