[johngladtj]

Smaller in scale yet more absolute power? Do you think a large and powerful government has less power than a local feudal lord??

[The_Colonel]

Yes, large governments have less power over an individual. The president / prime minister can't decide that I deserve to be executed for a traffic offense.

A small feudal lord has fewer subjects, but also fewer (no) limits. Nothing preventing him from killing you without repercussions on a whim.

[johngladtj]

You stance does not bear out in reality I'm afraid.