They are often characterized by long, uninterrupted reigns of power and are always characterized by an utter lack of [[checks and balances]] in government. The [[communist]] governments of [[Cuba]], [[North Korea]], and [[Venezuela]] can be considered to be run by autocrats. These leaders falsely claim to rule in the name of the people, but do not operate in a [[democracy]] and actually wield great power over individuals. | They are often characterized by long, uninterrupted reigns of power and are always characterized by an utter lack of [[checks and balances]] in government. The [[communist]] governments of [[Cuba]], [[North Korea]], and [[Venezuela]] can be considered to be run by autocrats. These leaders falsely claim to rule in the name of the people, but do not operate in a [[democracy]] and actually wield great power over individuals. |