Understanding Authoritarianism and Its Forms

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to authoritarianism, its types, and the mechanisms through which it operates.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a small group or individual, lacking democratic processes and accountability.

Consolidated Authoritarianism

A form of authoritarianism that is more developed, where the government restricts civil liberties and political competition.

Judicial Independence

The concept that the judiciary should remain independent from other branches of government, ensuring fair and impartial justice.

Totalitarianism

A form of authoritarianism requiring a dominant ideology that seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

Personalist Rule

A type of authoritarian regime where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader who rules independently of traditional structures.

Theocracy

A form of government in which religious leaders control the government, and political authority is based on religious law.

Military Rule

A situation where the military controls the government, often following a coup d'état.

Competitive Authoritarianism

A hybrid regime where democratic institutions exist but are severely undermined by the incumbents to maintain power.

Electoral Arena

The political landscape where elections take place, often characterized by competition between candidates or parties.

Civil Rights and Liberties

The fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government overreach and ensure participation in the democratic process.

Democracy Decline

A drop in the quality of democracy as evidenced by diminishing citizen rights, electoral integrity, and checks on government power.

Coup

A sudden, illegal seizure of governmental power, typically by a small group.

Oligarchy

A form of power structure where power resides in the hands of a small number of people.

Single-party Rule

A political system in which a single political party controls the government and other parties are either banned or excluded from power.