Authoritarian Governance—Clean Streets and Kids in Cages

The practice of authoritarianism is examined in terms of the destruction of the rule of law under authoritarian governance. This examined specific factors that eradicate the sense of personal liberty and political agency. Authoritarian leadership is discussed in terms of their policies and the frequency with which these policies are observed. Again, authoritarian governance, as suggested by Snyder and Paxton, reveals explicit tactics of holding power. To follow upon their observations, four specific behavioral markers of authoritarian governance will be reviewed with our subjects. These will be referred to as the four horsemen of authoritarianism—control of media, control of the judiciary, stifling political rivals, and suppression of electoral legitimacy. Once in power, authoritarians govern typically for a much longer period of time than leaders of democratic governments. There is a good chance they do not let go of power except through ill health, death, or forceful removal.