Similarities and differences

Question 1

Similarities

Answer 1

1. Both claim to act in populist interests
2. Democracy can be seen as majoritarian dictatorship
3. General Will - can be used to create totalitarian democracy
4. Dictators may use democracy as a method of legitimation
5. Some would argue that citizens have equal political participation

Question 2

Differences

Answer 2

1. Decision making - people make decisions by voting vs few making decisions
2. Dictatorships lack free, fair, regular elections
3. Political pluralism - lacking in dictatorship
4. No toleration of dissent to regime, democracies recognise pressure groups
5. Protected civil rights through constitutionalism
6. Democracies fulfil Beetham’s legitimacy criteria