Democracy and Authoritarianism - Political Systems

2.2 Democracy and Authoritarianism ================================== Describe the difference between democratic and authoritarian states ------------------------------------------------------------------- **Democratic systems:** Leaders answer to citizens - - - - [rule of law]: no o...

2.2 Democracy and Authoritarianism ================================== Describe the difference between democratic and authoritarian states ------------------------------------------------------------------- **Democratic systems:** Leaders answer to citizens - - - - [rule of law]: no one is above the law - - - **Authoritarian systems:** Citizens answer to leaders - - - - - - - - Rule through repression, cooptation, and efforts at maintaining legitimacy. - - - - How to classify - Explain why some states democratize and others black slide into authoritarian practices. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First of all I don't necessarily agree with the word "black slide", which implies that democratic system is sort of progressive and superior. It might be mainstream view of western political theories but the really difference between democratic and un-democratic country is not at their effectiveness in ruling but the balance of power between the government and the people. Cost of civil rights can be an efficient central government and security. But to answer this question, I think this really depends on whether the country has a history of democracy, which is related to the society's ability to adopt new political systems and their cultures. If people are willing to support a democratic government/establish a democratic government, follow a democratic agenda, a country can gradually become consolidated liberal democracies. New Millenium democratic progression slowed and even reversed. Often triggered by event, natural disaster - - Sustain: [Democratic consolidation:] stable democratic institutions eg. **UK**, two-turnover test eg. **Nigeria's** 2015 election. Democratic backsliding: decline in quality of democracy. Illiberal, flawed, or hybrid democracies are likely to do this.