Authoritarianism Limits People's Freedom

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Authoritarianism is a form of government that has a strong central power. This strong central leader is sometimes one person or it can also be a small group of people. Authoritarianism also limits people’s freedom. Authoritarianism originated in Europe in the 15th century AD. Authoritarianism was more prominent 100 years ago than today. Authoritarianism is often used as an excuse to correct problems that some people might think a society has. For example, an argument for an authoritarian rule could be because there is a lot of terrorism happening in a country or area. Authoritarianism is often short-sighted, while it may be good for the short term it may have long lasting damaging effects on a country. Authoritarianism has a strong …show more content…

In addition to this, the Authoritarian governments can be greedy and self-centered. Authoritarianism also limits people's freedom of their choice and people aren’t allowed to protest the current laws with the hope of changing them. Times and situations can change, and the authoritarian governments aren’t likely to change with them. Authoritarianism doesn’t take into account the will of most people, it usually only is for the few who are have power. These types of governments are hard towards their peopel and limit the free thought and new ideas. Civil liberties are also limited under authoritarianism. Civil liberties are the rights that are afforded to all of the citizens. Authoritarianism is usually based on authority and tradition, not on knowledge of the logic and reason. Power is taken away from the people and majority does not decide things. Authoritarianism assumes that certain people know better than others, however, if all people are supposed to be created equal this is not the case. With authoritarianism, there is often no limit to how long a person is in power, unlike democracy in America where there are term limits. Change of authority in authoritarianism is often not a peaceful process. Changing power can requires taking it by force by a rebellion of people instead of a peaceful change that we usually have in America today. Authoritarianism can …show more content…

This same idea shows up in the book A Separate Peace. Finny and Gene are friends, but Finny could be viewed as the authoritarian ruler between the two. In Gene’s view Finny is at a higher level than Gene. Finny is better at everything like sports and school. But after Gene caused Finny’s fall, both Gene and Finny are now on a level playing field, more like how a democracy is supposed to work - all people created equal. Some might say that Gene secretely wanted Finny to fall so that he was not as good at sports anymore. Also, even though Gene and Finny are friends, there is a hidden jealousy or hate of Gene towards Finny, much like how authoritarianism is often built on hate, envy or jealousy. Finny also acts like an authoritarian because he always thinks that people agrees with him and wants to do what he does mostly. Another character that could be authoritarian is Brinker Hadley could also be viewed as authoritarian. Bradley is similar to Fin and has opinions on things and how they should be done and he likes law and order, just like authoritarians do. Law and order is usually good but most people should agree on the laws or have the power to change the laws when they don’t

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