The document defines totalitarianism as centralized control by an autocratic state authority where citizens are totally subject to the state. It was a term coined by Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini and also associated with Adolf Hitler in Germany. Characteristics of totalitarianism include an official ideology promoted by the ruling elite, a one-party system, the imposition of terror through secret police, mass mobilization of the population through propaganda, and a lack of pluralism with all organizations controlled by the state. It differs from authoritarianism in that totalitarianism involves total control and an official ideology while authoritarianism allows some limited pluralism and freedoms for citizens.