Answer to Question #43860 in History for Abbie

Question

What is the difference between a totalitarian government and a democratic government? How would the lives of average citizens be affected under these two types of governments?

Answer 1

Totalitarian government is the government that runs “total” political power. There are no limits or restrictions for it. Democratic government is formed by all eligible citizens and, thus, is restricted by their will. In a totalitarian state, the state ideology rules over all the spheres of life. Democratic governments tend to recognize multiculturalism and not interfere with private lives of the people. Of course, this leads to certain differences in everyday life. In a totalitarian state, people are exposed to the state dictating them what music is “appropriate” to listen to, what clothes are “appropriate” to wear, and so on. In a democratic state, human rights are protected by law, and people have freedom of choice in everyday life.