The main difference between authoritarianism and democracy lies in who holds power and how decisions are made:
Authoritarianism
- Power concentrated: Authority is held by a single ruler, a small elite, or a political party.
- Limited political freedoms: Citizens have little to no role in decision-making; opposition is often restricted or suppressed.
- Rule by force/control: Leaders maintain power through censorship, propaganda, intimidation, or coercion.
- No checks and balances: Institutions (courts, legislature, media) are often controlled by those in power.
Examples:
Dictatorships
Military regimes
One-party states.
Democracy
- Power distributed: Political power comes from the people, typically through free and fair elections.
- Political freedoms: Citizens have rights such as free speech, assembly, and the ability to criticize leaders.
- Rule of law: Leaders must follow the same laws as citizens.
- Checks and balances: Independent courts, legislatures, and media act as restraints on power.
Types:
Direct democracy (citizens vote directly on policies)
Representative democracy (citizens elect officials to govern).
In short:
Authoritarianism = government controls the people.
Democracy = people control the government.