What is the term for a form of government where a single person controls all aspects of life?

Totalitarianism is the term used to describe a form of government where a single individual or party controls all aspects of public and private life. This political system is characterized by a centralized authority that seeks to regulate not only the government but also the economy, education, culture, and even private thoughts and beliefs. In totalitarian regimes, the government often employs propaganda, censorship, and state-sponsored terror to maintain power and suppress dissent, ensuring that the ruling authority's ideology permeates all levels of society.

In contrast, the other types of governance mentioned do not embody this level of control. Oligarchy refers to a system where a small group of people holds power, often leading to elitist governance but not total control over every aspect of life. Democracy allows for participation and representation among the populace, valuing individual liberties and democratic principles. Anarchy, on the other hand, describes a situation where there is no recognized government or authority, resulting in a lack of control rather than a concentrated singular power. Thus, totalitarianism stands out as the appropriate term for a government led by a single person with total control over various facets of life.