Explain the political system of totalitarianism, and identify its features and forms.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Totalitarianism refers to a political system in which there is only one representative party which exhibits control over every facet of political and human life. Power is often maintained by suppression of opposition, which can be violent in nature. Media censorship, political repression and denial of rights and civil liberties are dominant ideals. Since only one party within each entity exists, there are many forms of totalitarian government. All forms of totalitarianism exhibit some form of oppression as well. Parties or individuals that govern an entity based on religious principles will ultimately oppress religious and political expression of its citizens. One final consideration of a totalitarian system is that in which some freedoms may exist. This form has been referred to as right-wing totalitarianism, where some economic freedoms may exist, but there is still a limitation on political freedom. This structure allows for economic freedom because otherwise it is believed that complete oppression will give rise to communism. While it directly opposes socialist and communist ideas, this form of ruling may gain power and support from the military, often in the form of a military leader imposing a government "for the good of the people." This results in military officers filling most government positions.