In 3–5 sentences, contrast authoritarian and democratic systems of government by describing three differences in their citizens’ means of political participation.(4 points)
1. In an authoritarian system, political participation is limited or even forbidden for the majority of citizens. The government exercises a great deal of control over the political process, and citizens have very limited opportunities to express their opinions, participate in decision-making, or influence government policies. In contrast, in a democratic system, citizens have the right to actively participate in politics through voting, expressing their opinions, joining political parties or interest groups, and even running for office.
2. Authoritarian systems often rely on coercion and fear to suppress any form of dissent or opposition, discouraging citizens from engaging in political participation. In democratic systems, on the other hand, citizens are encouraged and protected in their right to free speech, association, and assembly, which allows for a wide variety of political participation methods and ensures that the government remains accountable to its citizens.
3. Democratic systems tend to provide greater access to information and transparency compared to authoritarian systems. In a democratic system, citizens have the opportunity to access reliable and diverse sources of information, allowing them to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful political participation. In authoritarian systems, however, the government often controls or restricts access to information, limiting citizens' ability to be well-informed and influencing their political participation options.