Understanding Authoritarianism

What is a key characteristic of authoritarian governments?

• Strong separation of powers

• High degree of political plurality

• Unquestioning obedience to rulers

• Free and competitive elections

How do authoritarian regimes differ from totalitarian ones?

• Totalitarian regimes have less control over the population

• Authoritarian regimes tolerate some social pluralism

• Totalitarian regimes allow more private life

• Authoritarian regimes have a highly developed guiding ideology

What is a common feature of authoritarian leaders?

• They encourage the formation of opposition parties

• They are easily replaced through elections

• They exercise power within strict legal limits

• They often act without regard to existing laws

In what way does authoritarianism contrast with democracy?

• Democracy limits individual freedoms

• Authoritarianism allows for free speech

• Authoritarianism lacks competitive political parties

• Democracy has a strong central power

Which of the following is an example of an authoritarian regime?

• A government with a highly developed ideology

• A pro-western military dictatorship in Latin America

• A regime with complete population mobilization

• A country with frequent power alternation