Authoritarianism
Definition
Authoritarianism refers to a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or small group, who exercise strict control over political institutions and limit individual freedoms. It often lacks checks and balances, leading to limited political participation and suppression of dissent.
Analogy
Imagine you have a group project but only one person takes charge without considering others' opinions or ideas. That person makes all the decisions without any input from the rest of the group. In authoritarianism, it's similar - power is concentrated in one leader's hands with little regard for citizen participation.
Related terms
Totalitarianism: This term describes an extreme form of authoritarianism where the government seeks complete control over all aspects of public and private life.
Dictatorship: A dictatorship is a type of authoritarian regime where power is held by an individual who rules with absolute authority.
Censorship: This refers to the restriction or control of information, media, or speech by the government to limit dissent and maintain control.
"Authoritarianism" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Additional resources (2)
Practice Questions (3)
- What is a key characteristic of authoritarianism?
- Which of the following is an example of a political culture that exhibits a strong tradition of authoritarianism?
- Under Deng Xiaopeng, what has not progressed from authoritarianism?
Resources
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