How can totalitarianism be defined?

Totalitarianism can be defined as a political system in which the state holds absolute power over all aspects of public and private life. This form of government typically seeks to control not just the actions of its citizens but also their beliefs, values, and personal relationships. The hallmark of totalitarianism is the concentration of power in a single authority or party, which requires complete obedience and often utilizes propaganda, censorship, and state-sponsored violence to maintain its control.

In contrast, a government where several parties coexist suggests a multiparty system where political competition is encouraged, which is inconsistent with the principles of totalitarianism. Similarly, the encouragement of free speech and the existence of constitutional rights imply a level of individual freedom and checks on government power that are fundamentally opposed to the characteristics of totalitarian control.