Freedom of Choice - Democracy vs Dictatorship

Imagine the next time you step into the voting booth your ballot only lists one candidate


to choose from. Or perhaps your ballot lists four candidates, but they are all from the


Liberal party. Dictatorships are one party political systems that are ruled by one leader or


an elite group of people under the principle of authoritarianism. Some feel that


dictatorships are the most effective form of government because decisions are made


quickly and extreme nationalism benefits the military and economy. These individuals


value order, nationalism, and authority. However, these systems often result in violence,


repression of the public, and few provisions for changes to the system. Democracies are


multiparty political systems that rest on the principle of rule by the people. Most people


that live in democracies have civil liberties1, and political rights2. Individuals who feel


that multiparty systems are the best government value equality, accountability, and


freedom. Nations that have multiparty political systems will meet the needs of the public


better through the means of political equality, a higher standard of living3, and civil


liberties.


Dictatorships often occur when a nation is economically and politically unstable.


An example of this is Napoleon’s coup d’ etat in 1799 France. In a system of


authoritarian rule decisions are made efficiently   because very few people are involved


in the decision making process. The leader or elite group at the head of the government


decides on new policies and economic measures, then makes sure that the public


abides by them by using tactics of force and indoctrination. Dictatorial systems have


helped nations recover from economic turmoil many times in the past. The extreme


nationalism that is born from propaganda and government sponsored youth
...