Research Paper on Authoritarian and Democratic Regimes

Introduction

The fact that some people have more influence than others is one of the most solid points of human existence in the society. The concept of power is therefore as primordial and pervasive as any that social theory can boost. Power refers to the ability to control people through word of mouth or actions (Smith, 2012). It is a necessary component in any society. Power is a relation among the people. When utilized well, power is good. However, when taken to the extreme, power is not good. Regimes, on the other hand, refer to systems of administrations or established procedures, social or cultural standards, which control the procedure of a regime or organization and its relations with the society. Regimes therefore emphasize regulations, standards, or institutions that determine how the constitution of the government works (Smith, 2012). Authoritarian and democratic regimes have different concepts of power. This article looks at the idea of power about China as an authoritarian regime and Canada as a democratic regime.

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Authoritarian Regime

This form of the regime is a political rule imposed on the citizens without their consent. A dictatorship characterizes the authoritarian regime. It means that such regimes do not enjoy the freedom of holding elections so that they can choose the leaders of their choice. Individuals who manage the government in their interest over the mass rule authoritarian regimes. In authoritarian regimes, the rulers do not face the threat of being ousted or questioned (Falk Juergensmeyer & Popovski, 2012). There is rampant embezzlement of public resources characterizes no accountability of the leaders and such regimes. Organizations and bodies that are critical of this form of the regime and make an attempt to discuss the government usually bans feasible alternatives to this system or face severe punishment. There is no freedom of speech and the information that the mainstream media broadcasts is bias (Wright & Folch 2012). The biases are as a result of distortion and manipulation of data due to the notion that it would pose a threat to the regime.

Authoritarian Regime in China

The People's Republic of China was formed in 1949. At independence, China was characterized by poverty and conflicts which was both internal and external. This short historical background is imperative because the past shapes the future in history. China is an authoritarian state, and there are features that the country exhibits that support this stand.

There is a clear indication that China is an authoritarian regime because the country lacks the freedom of thought or action. For instance, Wright & Folch, (2012) describes a scenario of a political activist in China, Liu Xiaobo. Liu criticized the Chinese regime in several ways and underwent through several detentions and harassment by the state.

Also, voters only engage in low-level elections in China. Senior leaders are not chosen freely by the citizens. In the Chinese constitution, citizens vote at the lowest levels of government and the members of the National People's Congress elect the Standing Committee.

China also follows a single party system which makes her fall among the authoritarian regimes. It means that the citizens do not enjoy the freedom of creating political parties. There is no promotion of healthy and competitive politics (Lorentzen, 2013). The constitution implies a multi-party system, but in reality, the Communist Party of China exercises much power.

Democratic Regimes

In democratic regimes, citizens enjoy the right to hold free and fair elections. Sovereignty and power, therefore, lies among the citizens. According to Bormann and Golder (2013), democratic systems allow free and competitive votes cast through secret ballot without any form of restriction. Democratic regimes also give an opportunity for constructive criticism from different bodies and organizations. Such organizations include media groups, environmental organizations, and trade unions, among others.

Democratic Regime in Canada

Canada is a model democracy. The country has the potential for legitimate democracy because it exercises respect for legal, human and civil rights. The nation applies direct democracy. Direct democracy involves a situation that gives much priority to public participation. Public participation is essential in making government decisions. Public participation gives the citizens the opportunity to engage in the affairs of the government actively (Larsen & Walby, 2012). People exercise it through elections, referendums and open forums for commentaries. It means that the majority has a say.

The system of government in Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. The Canadian legislative assembly has three sections, with the Queen, the Senate and the House of Commons. The governor general represents the Queen to the legislative assembly. The House of Commons has Members of Parliament who serves citizens in their communities.

The Canadian democracy also consists of the Senate which performs the critical role of reviewing chamber on proposed bills before they are passed in the House of Commons to become laws (Larsen & Walby, 2012).. The Senate also plays another vital part in representing the interests of the special groups and the minority. Special groups include people with disabilities (PWD), the minority language and ethnic groups and women.

The democratic regime in Canada also allows the formation of political parties. Political parties play a vital role in helping the citizens of Canada to articulate their views and ideologies openly. The parties also give room for constructive criticism. Criticism directs what the government does when in power. Those who do not want to associate themselves with political parties are independents.

Canada also actively exercises freedom of expression which is the center of human individuality. Freedom of speech and media freedom are the primary grounds for a safe and prosperous society. In Canada, people are free to organize and attend opinion forums without interference. The country also exercises media freedom.

Conclusion

These two regimes discussed in this article between an authoritarian regime and the democratic regime would undoubtedly lead one to associate himself/herself with a democratic government. In the modern society, most countries which were previously under dictatorial regimes are currently adopting democratic regime. However, all the two regimes have strengths and flaws. It is therefore essential to apply both authoritarian and democratic regimes concurrently depending on need when exercising power. However, this is debatable.

References

Bormann, N. C., & Golder, M. (2013). Democratic electoral systems around the world, 1946-2011. Electoral Studies, 32(2), 360-369.

Falk, R., Juergensmeyer, M., & Popovski, V. (Eds.). (2012). Legality and legitimacy in global affairs. OUP USA.Larsen, M., & Walby, K. (Eds.). (2012). Brokering access: Power, politics, and freedom of information process in Canada. UBC Press.Lorentzen, P. L. (2013). Regularizing rioting: Permitting public protest in an authoritarian regime. Quarterly Journal of Political Science, 8(2), 127-158.

Smith, M. A. (2012). Power in the changing global order: the US, Russia and China. Polity.Wright, J., & Escriba-Folch, A. (2012). Authoritarian institutions and regime survival: Transitions to democracy and subsequent autocracy. British Journal of Political Science, 42(2), 283-309.