Forms of Governments Quick Check

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Question
Which of the following statements best compares the influence of democratic and authoritarian systems of government on civil society?(1 point)
Responses

Democracies put many restrictions on the press, while authoritarian governments enable a free press to thrive.
Democracies put many restrictions on the press, while authoritarian governments enable a free press to thrive.

Democracies enable a strong civil society in which the people are able to influence their government, while authoritarian governments constrain civil society.
Democracies enable a strong civil society in which the people are able to influence their government, while authoritarian governments constrain civil society.

Democracies reject the idea of pluralism, while authoritarian governments give the people the ability to influence government officials directly or through political parties and interest groups.
Democracies reject the idea of pluralism, while authoritarian governments give the people the ability to influence government officials directly or through political parties and interest groups.

Democracies give unlimited power to the executive over civil society, while authoritarian governments concentrate more power in legislative bodies.
Democracies give unlimited power to the executive over civil society, while authoritarian governments concentrate more power in legislative bodies.

The correct answer is: Democracies enable a strong civil society in which the people are able to influence their government, while authoritarian governments constrain civil society.

The statement that best compares the influence of democratic and authoritarian systems of government on civil society is:

"Democracies enable a strong civil society in which the people are able to influence their government, while authoritarian governments constrain civil society."

To compare the influence of democratic and authoritarian systems of government on civil society, we need to understand the principles underlying each system.

Democratic systems of government prioritize the participation and influence of the people. In democracies, civil society is enabled and encouraged to be strong and active. This means that individuals and groups within civil society have the freedom to express their opinions, form associations, and organize social movements to influence their government. Democratic governments often have mechanisms in place for citizens to directly engage with their government officials, such as voting in elections, participating in public consultations, and having the ability to petition for change.

On the other hand, authoritarian systems of government place more constraints on civil society. In these systems, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group of elites. Consequently, civil society is often limited and constrained. Authoritarian governments may suppress freedom of speech, restrict the formation of civic organizations, and limit public dissent or opposition. The people have limited ability to influence government decisions, and power tends to be highly centralized within the government's executive branch.

Based on these explanations, the answer that best compares the influence of democratic and authoritarian systems of government on civil society is:

- Democracies enable a strong civil society in which the people are able to influence their government, while authoritarian governments constrain civil society.