Their most frightening point was that, even in established democracies, the point of maximum danger was a war-like crisis which demanded and justified dictatorial powers that were then never returned.

In effect, the consuls would be vested with dictatorial powers.

Though a friend of the crown, he opposed feudal privileges and dictatorial powers.

He declined an offer from the military to assume dictatorial powers.

This can be done in order to achieve the look of democracy and legitimacy while preserving dictatorial powers.