What is tyranny?

Answer 1

Tyranny is the rule by a single authoritative person. Tyrants were appointed in some Greek city-states, including Athens, by popular assent to replace aristocrats who ruled a city-state for their own benefit. However, the tyrant had to have a bodyguard to protect him from attempts by the aristocracy to assassinate him, and to pay the bodyguard he had to levy a tax, which made him less popular. When people's memories of how bad it had been under the aristocracy faded, they would get rid of the tyrant and either revert to the aristocrats or get the idea of a democracy in which they themselves held power.

Answer 2

With regards to governments, tyranny has a long historical record that even in modern times can be seen. And, of course when tyranny is practiced, it's never called by that term by the tyrants. Tyranny is also labeled by such terms as Dictatorship, fascism or totalitarianism. A single leader or group of leaders imposes its will on the citizens of a nation, past nation and current ones too. Generally speaking these types of governments only allow one political party to exist (theirs) and impose economic, and political policies on their citizens. They may also restrict religious practices.