Short Answer 
Authoritarian governments emerge when leaders gain control through illegitimate means, concentrating power in a small group that makes decisions for the ruling class while marginalizing citizens. A hallmark of these regimes is the repression of dissent, using oppressive tactics to silence opposition and maintain power.
Step 1: Understanding Power Acquisition
Authoritarian governments typically arise when leaders seize control through illegitimate methods. This can happen through actions such as coups or manipulation of legal systems. These methods undermine democratic processes and enable a single individual or a powerful group to gain dominance over the state.
Step 2: Concentration of Authority
In an authoritarian regime, power is concentrated in the hands of one leader or a small group. This centralization allows for decision-making that benefits only the ruling class, often at the expense of the general populace. Citizens have limited or no influence over government policies and decisions, which significantly diminishes democratic freedoms.
Step 3: Repression of Dissent
One of the defining features of authoritarian governments is their intolerance for dissenting views. Leaders typically use oppressive measures to silence opposition, which can include imprisonment, persecution, or even execution of critics. This repression creates an atmosphere of fear, ensuring that the ruling authority maintains power without facing opposition.