Which term describes an oppressive government that uses power and authority in a cruel and unjust manner?

The term "Tyranny" specifically captures the essence of an oppressive government that wields power and authority in a cruel and unjust manner. It denotes a situation where a ruler or oppressive regime exercises excessive control over the people, often disregarding laws and individual rights. Tyranny is characterized by the ruling power's disregard for justice and fairness, leading to widespread suffering for those subjected to such governance.

In contrast, while a "Dictatorship" also indicates a single ruler with absolute power, it does not inherently signify oppression; some dictatorships may maintain order without resorting to cruelty. "Autocracy" generally refers to any form of government where a single entity holds power, which may or may not manifest cruelly. "Oligarchy" describes a government controlled by a small group of individuals but does not directly address the oppressive nature of that control. Tyranny specifically emphasizes the cruel and unjust methods employed by the ruling power.