What is fascism?

Pastor Mike’s Answer (edited)

Historically, fascism refers to an authoritarian political system in which a ruler or governing party exercises domineering power without meaningful accountability to voters, courts, legislatures, or other institutions. Related terms include dictatorship, totalitarianism, despotism, and autocracy, though each has its own historical nuances.

In ordinary political debate, the word is often used much more loosely as a derogatory label for someone viewed as controlling, forceful, or simply wrong. Disagreement with a policy or moral position does not by itself make someone a fascist.

When emotionally charged labels appear in conversation, ask the speaker to define the term and identify the specific conduct being criticized. Clear definitions allow the real disagreement to be discussed instead of letting an inflammatory word end the conversation.