Tyranny

Definitions of the Word Tyranny

Tyranny is a form of dictatorial, one-person government characterized by injustice and lack of respect for the rights of individual citizens. Tyranny frequently arises out of dissension as another social system is either disinte-grating or experiencing internal strife. Roger (pp. 78-89) mentions the potential tyrant may be part of the existing aristocracy and may endeavor to seize control during a power struggle with his or her peers. A tyrant may also be a popular leader or demagogue who already has some support from the masses. In either case, the tyrant helps to overthrow the existing regime and replace it with one-person rule. Tyrants are not subject to checks and balances from other parts of the government and may ignore or reject a previously existing constitution. The tyrant's rule is absolute (Roger, pp. 78-89).

Historical Reflection

The tyrannical ruler recognizes that he needs a base of support and protection from enemies. He will attempt to please a segment of the population large enough to ensure that his rule will continue unchecked. To gain such support, he maintains a group of loyal and powerful supporters, whom he rewards richly but fundamentally distrusts and keeps at an appropriate distance. As the supporters are entrusted with maintaining his rule, the tyrant will choose to surround himself with powerful, wealthy nobles or military forces. His rule is not based upon a social contract or the consent of the governed; people obey because of fear of punishment (Roger, pp. 78-89).

The tyrant's rule may enjoy broad-based support despite the autocratic nature of his regime, but more often he is despotic and controls the population through propaganda, repression, or fear. He controls political speech (by preventing the formation of a popular representative body) and the media. The citizens' basic civic rights are nonexistent; their human rights are subject to abuse if they are perceived to be enemies of the regime. The tyrannical leader frequently employs a network with secret police, spies, or informers that can be used to find, intimidate, or harm would-be resisters. Moreover, the population living under tyranny is frequently impoverished. Poverty (often induced through taxation) is both a form of control and a means to pay for wars or the tyrant's own private goods (Sheldon, pp. 23-34).

How the Term Was Used In the Declaration of Independence

This history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation, all having, in direct object, the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States" (Sheldon, pp. 23-34). Quoted from the Declaration of Independence, it reflects the Americans' conviction that King George III denied the right of the American colonies to govern themselves through their own elected legislatures. In addition, the creators of this document continue to explain the king's failure at securing the colonies' right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Beginning 1760, King George's reign was characterized by rising tensions between the Americans and the British government. Prior to his reign, relations with the British government and the colonies were ...