Defining Authoritarianism and Democracy

What are "democracy" and "authoritarianism"?

• Policy Concepts

• Government Systems

• Forms of People's Representation

• Political Theories

What is not an important element for a democratic election?

• More than one candidate/party

• Fair and equal treatment of the election participants

• All adults have the right to vote

• Elections for President and Parliament take place on the same day

What is an important element of political liberty?

• Freedom of speech

• Good governance

• Social Equality

• Economic Prosperity

What is an important civil right in a democracy?

• Minorities are not discriminated against

• Right to build an opposition party

• Elections are free and fair

• The ruling time of the President is limited to two terms

What means "horizontal accountability"?

• The government is elected directly by the people

• The government is controlled by other powerful autonomous state institutions

• Government and parliament work together in a constructive way

• Government can be criticized by citizens and the media

Is Russia under President Putin a democracy?

• Yes, because he was elected by the people

• Yes, because he is very popular and successful

• No, because Russia lacks nearly all elements of a democracy

• No, because he started a war against Ukraine

In Brunei, Sultan Hasan al-Bolkiah is head of government and rules as hereditary monarch since 1967. Is his rule democratic?

• Yes, because his economic policies are very successful

• Yes, because all citizens of Brunei support his rule

• No, because he was not elected and can not be removed by elections

• No, because all monarchies cannot be democracies

Was Suharto a democratic leader in Indonesia from 1966-1998?

• Yes, because he was elected by MPR

• Yes, because he was successful in economic development

• No, because he was corrupt what led to the 1997/98 financial crisis

• No, because his political rule did not allow opposition and limited pluralism

Can the USA in the 19th Century be called a democracy nowadays?

• Yes, because there were regular elections and civil liberties

• Yes, because there was media freedom and an elected President

• No, because women and colored people were not allowed to vote

• No, because there was no welfare state and rich persons dominated politics

How many percent of Indonesian support a system of government in which a strong leader can make decisions without interference of parliament/courts? (according to Pew Research 2017)

• 12 percent

• 32 percent

• 52 percent

• 72 percent