🗳️ap comparative government review

Spectrum of Authoritarian and Democratic Regimes

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The spectrum of authoritarian and democratic regimes represents the range of different types of governments that exist between fully authoritarian (dictatorship) and fully democratic systems. It illustrates how countries can fall at various points on this spectrum based on their level of citizen participation, civil liberties, and accountability.

"Spectrum of Authoritarian and Democratic Regimes" also found in: