Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of an authoritarian regime?
What is a characteristic of an authoritarian regime?
- Power is exercised by a small, accountable group.
- There is a lack of constitutional accountability to the public. (correct)
- The state operates under the principles of democratic governance.
- Elections are always free and fair.
What does 'Rule of Law' imply in a democratic regime?
What does 'Rule of Law' imply in a democratic regime?
- All laws must be made constitutionally and apply to everyone. (correct)
- The law is only applicable to certain groups.
- Government officials have the authority to manipulate laws.
- Laws are applied arbitrarily by government officials.
Which of the following best defines an illiberal democracy?
Which of the following best defines an illiberal democracy?
- A regime where elections are highly competitive and transparent.
- A country holding elections that are often not free and fair. (correct)
- A political system where media is completely independent.
- A government system without any elections.
In which type of regime is media typically subject to heavy government control?
In which type of regime is media typically subject to heavy government control?
What distinguishes One-Party States from other political regimes?
What distinguishes One-Party States from other political regimes?
How does citizen participation in government typically differ between democratic and authoritarian regimes?
How does citizen participation in government typically differ between democratic and authoritarian regimes?
Which factor is likely to be less evident in an authoritarian regime compared to a democratic one?
Which factor is likely to be less evident in an authoritarian regime compared to a democratic one?
What is the degree of transparency in governmental decision-making in authoritarian regimes?
What is the degree of transparency in governmental decision-making in authoritarian regimes?
What characterizes a military regime?
What characterizes a military regime?
Which best describes the government structure of Iran?
Which best describes the government structure of Iran?
What is a feature of an illiberal democracy?
What is a feature of an illiberal democracy?
Why are independent branches important in a democratic regime?
Why are independent branches important in a democratic regime?
How do democratic regimes differ from authoritarian regimes in terms of government branches?
How do democratic regimes differ from authoritarian regimes in terms of government branches?
Which statement correctly reflects the nature of totalitarian governments?
Which statement correctly reflects the nature of totalitarian governments?
What is a primary reason for the lack of independence among government branches in authoritarian regimes?
What is a primary reason for the lack of independence among government branches in authoritarian regimes?
What is Nigeria's current status in relation to military regimes?
What is Nigeria's current status in relation to military regimes?
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Study Notes
Theocracies
- Theocracies are governments where religious leaders have a significant role and decisions are influenced by the dominant religion.
- Iran is an example of a theocracy, blending elements of both democracy and theocracy, with the latter often holding more power.
Totalitarian Regimes
- Totalitarian regimes exert complete control over both government decision-making and citizens' private lives.
Military Regimes
- Military regimes are led by a military leader or a group of military leaders who run the country.
- Nigeria is not currently a military regime, but experienced one as recently as 1999.
Democratic vs. Authoritarian Regimes
- Democratic regimes have independent branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
- This independence is a key feature of democracy.
- Authoritarian regimes, like China, centralize power within one group, limiting the independence of government branches.
- Mexico is transitioning towards a more democratic system with greater independence among branches, particularly in its judiciary.
Distinguishing Features of Authoritarian Regimes
- Rule by Law vs. Rule of Law:
- Democratic regimes utilize the "Rule of Law", meaning laws are made constitutionally, apply to everyone, and are enforced fairly.
- Authoritarian regimes often operate under the "Rule by Law", where laws are manipulated to benefit the leaders.
- Media Control:
- Authoritarian regimes tightly control and censor the media.
- Democratic regimes have greater media freedom with less government interference.
- Elections:
- Democratic regimes have free and fair elections, while authoritarian regimes may have elections that are not genuinely competitive.
- Transparency:
- Democratic governments are more transparent, allowing citizens to access information about government operations and decision-making.
- Authoritarian regimes are less transparent and control information flow.
- Citizen Participation:
- Democratic regimes encourage citizen participation in government through voting, interest groups, and civil society.
- Authoritarian regimes limit citizen participation.
Types of Authoritarian Regimes
- Illiberal Democracy/Hybrid Regime:
- Holds elections but lacks key democratic features like free media and citizen participation.
- Russia is an example.
- One-Party State:
- A single political party maintains full control of the government.
- China is an example.
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