What term describes the exercise of authority in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner?

The term that describes the exercise of authority in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner is oppression. This concept refers not only to the harsh treatment of individuals or groups but also to the systemic nature of such abuse, where power is wielded unfairly to suppress, control, or marginalize others.

In the context of historical and social issues, oppression can be witnessed in regimes or societies that deny people their basic rights and freedoms, often using violence or intimidation. This contrasts with the other terms provided.

Repression typically involves the act of subduing someone by force but may not inherently imply the ongoing, systematic cruelty that is characteristic of oppression. Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion, while segregation specifically entails the separation of groups, often along racial lines, which may lead to oppression but is a narrower practice. Thus, oppression encompasses a broader spectrum of unjust authority that aligns closely with the definition in question.