Which key concept does Absolutism represent in governance?

Absolutism in governance represents a system where a single ruler holds supreme authority and exercises unrestricted power over the state and its people. This concept is characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of one sovereign, such as a monarch, who governs without the requirement of consent from those being governed. This form of governance often leads to the centralization of decision-making processes and the absence of checks and balances on the ruler's authority.

In contrast to shared power, democratic principles, and decentralization, absolutism dismisses the ideas of power distribution or participation from the populace in governance. Shared power typically involves multiple entities or branches of government working together, while democratic principles emphasize the role of citizens in electing representatives and influencing legislation. Decentralization refers to distributing authority away from a central authority, often to local governments or smaller divisions, which is again contrary to the essence of absolutism. Therefore, the character of absolutism as dictatorial power highlights the lack of accountability and the unilateral control by a single ruling entity, making it the correct interpretation of the concept.