Answer: The Roman position of dictator was an elected office with absolute power, appointed during times of crisis, while the modern use of dictator refers to an oppressive ruler with absolute power acquired through force or unconstitutional means.
Explanation: The Roman position of dictator differed from the modern use of the term in a few key ways. In ancient Rome, the office of dictator was an elected office with absolute power, typically appointed during times of severe crisis, such as military conflicts or civil unrest. The dictator would hold power for a set period of time, usually six months, and was given wide-ranging authority to address the crisis at hand. While this authority was absolute, it was also temporary, and the dictator's term of office would end once the crisis was resolved.
In contrast, the modern use of the term dictator typically refers to an individual who acquires and maintains absolute power through force or unconstitutional means, rather than being elected to the position. Modern dictators often hold power for an indefinite period of time, and their authority is often marked by repression, censorship, and other forms of oppression. Modern dictators are generally seen as threats to democracy and human rights, whereas Roman dictators were seen as temporary solutions to exceptional circumstances.
Overall, while the term "dictator" has negative connotations in both ancient Rome and the modern world, the differences between the two positions indicate a fundamental shift in the nature of power and authority over the centuries.
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