Political scientists use this type to describe modern regimes in which the government controls almost every aspect of public and private life. Totalitarian regimes get the whole population to support the government and its policies.

They stay in power by using secret police, spreading propaganda through state-controlled mass media, regulating, and limiting free speech and criticism, and using terror tactics on a large scale. They don’t let people or groups like labor unions, churches, and political parties do things that don’t help the state reach its goals.