In this article you will learn about the Authoritarian State in Political Science.
Authoritarian State
Authoritarian State is very close to a totalitarian state and is far away from a democratic state. A.R. Ball has observed that : “The States which do not fall between the two categories Democracy and Totalitarian states belong to the category of authoritarian state.”
C.H. Dillon defines an authoritarian state as the one in which “all authority and power are concentrated in the hands of a few i.e., the government whose rule is essentially not responsible. The people participate in few of their decisions but are subject to all of them.”
E.B. Schulz observes: “An Authoritarian government is characterised by the possession of supreme authority either by one place or by a minority group which is in no way accountable to the people over whom control is exercised.” Authoritarian state is one which is governed by an authoritarian government.
In simple words, a state governed by a very powerful ruler or a civil or military dictator/junta is held to be an authoritarian state. It is characterised by a strong centralised government structure in which the executive dominates the legislature and even uses the judiciary for and serving its needs. The citizens are entitled to limited freedom and attempts are made to secure manipulation and full support from one or some organisations or parties of the people. An authoritarian state or government is neither a true representative of the people nor responsible and accountable to them. It works as an autocratic government and uses force and coercion for securing the obedience of the people towards its policies, decisions and orders.
Authoritarian State : Features
In its form and content an authoritarian state is quite near to a totalitarian state. The difference between the two is one of degree and not of kind. In it, the state control over the people is not total but exercise. Limited and regulated openness is permitted. Centralisation is considered ideal but along with it some limited devolution or sharing of authority is also tolerated. The executive is extremely powerful and dominates other organs of the state. In such a state, the power is in the hands of a military dictator or a civilian junta. Manipulative politics is practised in it. Both Modernisation and Traditionalism is used to win popular support for securing some credibility. An Ideology or religion is often used to secure support for securing some credibility. Religion or an ideology is often used to secure support and serve the ends of the rulers. Several countries of the Middle East and Africa have been living with authoritarian governments.
This article on Authoritarian State in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.