distinction between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes
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Totalitarian and authoritarian are both words to describe forms of government. The main difference between the two is that totalitarian regimes (as the name implies) exert total control over the lives of citizens, while authoritarian regimes allow some civil freedoms.
While both regimes are controlled by a single person or a small, elite group, a totalitarian regime extends its control into personal matters. Censorship is common, and people are not allowed freedom of religion, speech, or sometimes even family planning. Guided by an ideology that the government believes superior to others, leaders force citizens to fit this mold. Maoist China, Mussolini's Italy, and Iraq under Saddam Hussein's rule would be considered totalitarian.
Authoritarian regimes, while limiting control to a single person or small group, have less influence on the personal beliefs and preferences of citizens. Freedoms are limited in areas related to the political process, freedom of speech, and public policy. Singapore, modern China, and Castro's Cuba are examples of authoritarian rule.
While both regimes are controlled by a single person or a small, elite group, a totalitarian regime extends its control into personal matters. Censorship is common, and people are not allowed freedom of religion, speech, or sometimes even family planning. Guided by an ideology that the government believes superior to others, leaders force citizens to fit this mold. Maoist China, Mussolini's Italy, and Iraq under Saddam Hussein's rule would be considered totalitarian.
Authoritarian regimes, while limiting control to a single person or small group, have less influence on the personal beliefs and preferences of citizens. Freedoms are limited in areas related to the political process, freedom of speech, and public policy. Singapore, modern China, and Castro's Cuba are examples of authoritarian rule.
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