A democratic regime bases its authority on the will of the people. Most democracies are indirect, mainly because large populations make it almost impossible for individuals to have a great deal of direct influence on how they are governed. Democratic governments typically have three major branches: executives, legislatures, and judicial courts. Some democracies are parliamentary systems, while others are presidential systems. By contrast, in authoritarian regimes decisions are made by political elites, without much input from citizens. These regimes may be ruled by a single dictator, a hereditary monarch, a small group of aristocrats, or a single political party. The economy is generally tightly controlled by the political elite. Some authoritarian regimes are based on communism, others practice corporatism. To learn more about democracies and authoritarian regimes, read the e-text sections that cover Democratic Regimes and Nondemocratic Regimes.
Which One Is It? Complete the Democratic vs. Non-Democratic Regimes activity below. Drag the country to the correct category.
Democratic and Non Democratic Regimes Video
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Draws from charismatic or traditional legitimacy, personal rule rests on the claim that one person alone is fit to run the country, with no clear regime or roles to constrain that person's rule.
Tool of Control: Patrimonialism supporters within the state benefit directly from their alliance with the ruler (corruption)
Military Rule
Typically emerges through a coup d'etat, in which military forces take control of the government by force.
Tool of Control - Control of the armed forces, sometimes also allied with business and state elites (Bureaucratic Authoritarianism)
One Party Rule
Associated with totalitarianism, a single party monopolizes politics with other parties banned or excluded from power.
Tool of Control - Large party membership helps mobilize support and maintain public control, often in return for political or economic benefits.
Theocracy
Rule by God. A regime based on holy texts as a foundation for regime and politics.
Tool of Control - Religious leadership and political leadership fused into single sovereign authority
Illiberal Regime
Rule by an elected leadership, through procedures of questionable democratic legitimacy.
Tool of Control - Manipulation of democratic procedures, such as vote rigging or harassment of opposition
Sources of Power Review Activity
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Takeaway & Sendoff
How would YOU explain the difference between Democratic and Non-Democratic Regimes to a fifth-grader so they could understand the concept?