Authoritarian governments are characterized by the following actions:
- Centralized Power: Authoritarian governments concentrate power in the hands of a single leader, ruling party, or small group of elites. Decisions are often made by a few individuals without significant input from the general population.
- Limited Political Freedoms: Authoritarian regimes typically restrict political freedoms, such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association. Opposition parties and critical voices may be suppressed or banned.
- Lack of Free and Fair Elections: Authoritarian governments may hold elections, but these elections are often tightly controlled, lack genuine competition, and may be manipulated to ensure the ruling party's continued power.
- Censorship and Propaganda: Authoritarian regimes often censor information and control media outlets to shape public perception and promote government-approved narratives.
- Human Rights Violations: Authoritarian governments may engage in human rights abuses, such as arbitrary arrests, torture, and suppression of dissent, often without being held accountable.
- Restricted Civil Liberties: Civil liberties, including the right to privacy and individual freedoms, are often limited in authoritarian states to maintain control and prevent challenges to the government's authority.
- State Control of Economy: Authoritarian governments may exert significant control over the economy, often through state ownership or heavy regulation of key industries.
- Suppression of Political Opposition: Political opposition, protests, and dissent are often suppressed using force or intimidation to maintain social and political stability.
- Cult of Personality: Authoritarian leaders may promote a cult of personality, elevating themselves to a near-deity status and using propaganda to portray themselves as saviors or strong leaders.
- Lack of Separation of Powers: Authoritarian governments often lack a clear separation of powers among different branches of government, resulting in limited checks and balances.
Note: It's important to note that these characteristics can vary in degree and manifestation across different authoritarian regimes.