Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship – Dictatorship vs Democracy
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The difference between Democracy and Dictatorship is that both are diverging approaches of government that are perpetually at odds with each other. Democracy and Dictatorship are two principal forms of government that are poles apart. While democracy is a government elected by citizens of any country or other qualified state members through electoral representatives, a dictatorship is a government where a single person or group of individuals wield authority without restriction.
Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship PDF
In a democracy, the fundamental rights of the citizen are protected by the constitution, in contrast to a dictatorship, where little importance is given to fundamental rights. This article will discuss and analyze the major differences between Democracy and Dictatorship based on their type of political system, freedom, rule of law, etc.
Table of content
Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship
The major difference between democracy and dictatorship is that Democracy offers political control in a country through free and fair elections, whereas no elections occur in a Dictatorship kind of Government.
Dictatorship vs Democracy
| Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship | ||
|
Criteria |
Democracy |
Dictatorship |
|
Definition |
In a Democracy, an individual who gets the highest votes and support grows to become the head. |
Only one ruler illegally seized control in a dictatorship and led the nation with an iron fist. |
|
Type of Political System |
In a democracy, a bi-party or multi-party system represents various societies and beliefs. Political authority is given only through a rigorously monitored, unrestricted election process. |
In a dictatorial government system, the political parties are mostly restricted from carrying out activities freely. |
|
Freedom |
People in a democratic government are the ones who make it likely to select the government of their own will through the procedure of elections. |
The government limits personal freedoms without constitutional assurances. Individuals in this type of government are oppressed and suppressed every day. |
|
Rule of law |
The government always works for the betterment of the people, and citizens in a democratic country can select their government. |
The government might or might not work for the public interest, and people in a monarchial country cannot choose their government. |
Democracy and Dictatorship
Dictatorship and Democracy differ as per the form of governance in the country. Dictatorship follows a single-party rule without any elections, whereas regular and frequent elections mark Democracy. Democracy and Dictatorship are very different concepts. Democracy has a free judiciary where people get complete freedom, whereas Dictatorship suppresses freedom, and only a single person rules the Government.
What is Dictatorship?
A dictatorship is a government system where one individual or group enjoys unhindered authority without restrictions. Dictators usually employ coercive means to acquire political authority.
- They retain their government through brutality, anguish, and the suspension of civil liberties.
- They also use additional means to sustain their rule, such as distributing wrong information.
Characteristics of Dictatorship
Mentioned hereunder are some characteristics of a Dictatorship:
- Rule of a Single Person: Unlike a democratic government, there is no concept of an election, and a single individual or political party continues to govern without constitutionality restrictions.
- Suppression of freedom: The government effectively restricts personal freedoms without constitutional assurances. Individuals in this type of government are oppressed and suppressed every day.
- No Rule of Law: There is government-enforced misrule in this government system, where individuals can be imprisoned or detained without trial by the judiciary.
What is Democracy?
Democracy, in its simplest definition, is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In a democratic government, the participation of individuals is of paramount significance, without which it loses its essence.
- People in this form of government get equal opportunities, whether from an ethnic or religious minority.
- Furthermore, in a democracy, people can criticize the government if it does something unlawful.
Features of Democracy
The significant features of a Democracy include the following:
- Freedom of Manifestation: In a democratic government, everyone can voice their views without apprehension or oppression.
- People’s Sovereignty: People in a democratic government are the ones who make it likely to select the government of their own will through elections. They choose their representatives, who are all responsible to the citizens.
- Free Judiciary: In a democratic country, the judiciary is a self-dependent institution, not accountable even to the ruling administration. The privileges of a judiciary are bestowed in the constitution of a nation.
Conclusion:
Key Difference Between Democracy and Dictatorship
The key difference between Democracy and Dictatorship is that in a democracy, people select the government of their own will through elections. On the other hand, in a Dictatorship government, personal freedoms get limited, and individuals are suppressed every day.
