This lesson introduces authoritarian regimes and explains how they exercise authority, seek legitimacy, and differ in how much they consult the public.
An authoritarian regime gives governing authority to institutions or leaders who are not legally required to win or retain the approval of the people through competitive elections. Authority may rest with a military, religious leadership, monarch, or political party. Some regimes combine several of these sources of power.
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Authoritarian regime
A regime whose governing authority does not depend on public approval through competitive elections.
Political legitimacy
The belief that a government has a rightful claim to rule.
Hard authoritarianism
Authoritarian rule in which leaders generally govern without consulting the broad majority of citizens.
Soft authoritarianism
Authoritarian rule that may allow public input or limited elections while retaining power to override elected institutions.
Separation of powers
A system that divides governmental authority among branches able to check one another.
Quiz questions
What does judicial review authorize courts to do?Answer: Invalidate statutes or regulations that violate the constitution.
What distinguishes a federal system from a unitary system?Answer: Constitutional powers are divided between national and regional governments.
When is a coalition government commonly formed in a parliamentary system?Answer: When parties combine their legislative support to form a government.
What role does Iran’s Guardian Council have in national elections and lawmaking?Answer: It vets candidates and reviews legislation passed by parliament.
How are seats allocated in Mexico’s 500-member Chamber of Deputies?Answer: 300 are elected in districts, and 200 are allocated proportionally.
Based on Introduction to Political Science by Mark Carl Rom, Masaki Hidaka, Rachel Bzostek Walker (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.