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Question

Difficulty: MediumTotalitarianism and Authoritarianism

A state regime permits private economic enterprises, religious institutions, and traditional social organizations to operate independently, provided they do not attempt to contest executive authority or engage in active opposition. Which political system is demonstrated by this governance arrangement?

  1. AuthoritarianismAnswer
  2. B
    Totalitarianism
  3. C
    Socialism
  4. D
    Federalism

Answer

Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is characterized by political monopolization and restrictions on political participation, while leaving non-political spheres such as religion, private business, and social organizations relatively autonomous as long as they do not threaten the ruling authority.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the extent of state penetration described in the stem.
The state limits political opposition but permits relative freedom in private economic, religious, and social domains.
Differentiating authoritarianism from totalitarianism relies on evaluating whether the state demands total ideological transformation of private life or merely political passivity.
2
Compare the scenario against the core definition of authoritarianism.
Authoritarian regimes focus on maintaining political power and control over governance while allowing limited socio-economic pluralism.
Unlike totalitarian states, authoritarian governments do not attempt to control every institution or eliminate private non-political spheres.

Key Concept

Scope of State Control in Authoritarian versus Totalitarian Systems
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Topics

Totalitarianism and Authoritarianism

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