Ruling by Authority
Features of Authoritarianism
“The existence of a single leader or small
group of leaders with ultimate political
authority.”
 A strong belief in the supremacy of the
state above all other organizations.
 Individualism is only encouraged inasmuch
as it benefits the state.
 Strong emphasis on a certain ideology to
remake or restructure some aspect of the
state.

Features, continued…
Commonly emerge in times of political,
economic, and social instability, thus
they may have mass public support.
 Also characterized by limiting mass
participation in politics. These
governments prefer a politically
apathetic society.
 Citizens are only encouraged to
participate in politics or policy matters in
ways that it will benefit the state.

Types of Authoritarian Gov’t

Military Authoritarian System
 Military is not only privileged, but is in control of all major
government decision making.

Party Authoritarian System
 Single political party dominates the system.
 May even allow small opposition parties to increase their
legitimacy with the public.

Bureaucratic Authoritarian System
 Run by the military but relies heavily on experts in the
fields of economics and other policy areas.
 These experts are often allowed significant authority to
determine and oversee government policy.
 This is another way of increasing legitimacy and justifying
their control.
Question

What is the most effective type of
Authoritarian rule?

What are the advantages of this form of
government, if any?
Features of Totalitarianism
Arose in the twentieth century.
 These states create and establish a
highly integrated social system that
controls every aspect of life.
 Similar to Authoritarianism, but there are
some differences…

Differences…
Totalitarianism is an extreme form of
authoritarianism.
 The control and authority over every aspect
of society and economy lies in the hands of
the dictator.
 Important: The power no longer rests with
the government, but instead with a single
person.
 The dictator operates with charisma,
winning the people over.


Totalitarianism: concerned with
revolutionizing society as a whole.

Authoritarianism: concerned with
exercising and maintaining direct
political control.
Five Features of Totalitarianism
1. The state is organized around an allencompassing ideology. This ideology
aims at a final stage in humanity.
 2. Totalitarianism destroys all social,
legal, and political traditions that
precede it. Many parties turn into one
dictator.
 3. In order for their final stage to be
reached, terror must be used. This is
usually done through police.

Cont.
4. Dictator and regime monopolizes not
only the armed forces but all forms of
mass communication as well. This
makes the spread of propaganda
possible and effective.
 5. Seeks control and direction of the
economy.

Questions:
Why did we see the emergence of these
governments in the twentieth century?
 What specific types of events would lead
to the development of these
governments?

Sources


Authoritarianism." International Encyclopedia
of the Social Sciences. Ed. William Darity, Jr.
2nd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Macmillan Reference
USA, 2008. 213-214. Global Issues In
Context. Web. 4 Oct. 2011.
Source
Citation:"Totalitarianism." International
Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences. Ed.
William Darity, Jr. 2nd ed. Vol. 8. Detroit:
Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. 394397. Global Issues In Context. Web. 4 Oct.
2011.