Types of Political Regimes: Democracy, Totalitarianism, and Authoritarianism

These flashcards cover the key concepts and terms related to different types of political regimes, including democracy, totalitarianism, and authoritarianism.

Democracy

A system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which people vote on policies directly rather than through representatives.

Representative Democracy

A type of democracy where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

Popular Accountability

The requirement for government officials to be accountable to the electorate, maintaining their position through electoral support.

Political Competition

The process where multiple candidates or parties compete for political office, allowing voters to make choices.

Popular Representation

The function of a legislature to represent the interests and viewpoints of the citizens.

Political Equality

The principle that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities to participate in politics, often expressed as 'one person, one vote'.

Majority Decision

The principle that in a democracy, decisions are made based on the preference of the majority, while also respecting the rights of minorities.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state seeks total control over citizens' lives and maintains power through an authoritarian government.

All-Encompassing Ideology

A defining feature of totalitarian states, where an official theory defines political, economic, and social life, presenting it in stark, absolute terms.

Controlled Economy

An economic system controlled by the government or a political party, often associated with totalitarian regimes.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a small group, with limited popular participation and input.