Mudabicara.com_ A dictatorial political system is a political system that has almost the same characteristics as a totalitarian political system and an authoritarian political system. This political system is also defined as an autocratic form of government.
The term dictator itself is closely related to oppression and violence. Usually a government that uses a dictatorial political system does not give its citizens space to participate in policy making. The activities of citizens are bound by the ruler over the state so that the freedom inherent in citizens is to praise the ruler.
Now, this time, Mudabicara wants to review more deeply about the meaning of a dictator’s political system, its types and characteristics. For more, see the following reviews:
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Understanding Dictator Political System
Etymologically the dictator comes from the word dictator which means people who rule with absolute power and rights. In ancient Roman times the word dictator was used as a title of republican government in times of urgency, crisis and emergency.
Along with the times, the word dictator tends to describe rulers who oppress and abuse their authority. Dictatorship government makes the leader has full power so that the process of government is far from democratic.
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This is due to the background of a dictator gaining power using violence through the coup process.
History records countries that have used a dictatorial government system, including Germany when led by Adolf Hitler, Poland when led by Eugeniusz Władysław Sikorski, Italy when led by Benito Mussolini. Even so, not all dictatorial regimes put their power on only one person, it can be groups and parties.
Dictatorship and Colonialism
After the dissolution of colonialism and the disappearance of monarchies in various Asian countries, Africa and even Latin America, dictatorial political systems began to thrive.
The dictatorial political system is a political system adopted by newly independent countries, although there are others who choose a democratic political system. The fact is that third world countries do need the middle class to be able to run the government. The middle class quickly seized power and established a government.
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Unfortunately, the post-colonial middle class were military officials, so they established power with a military dictatorship.
Besides the fact that the figure of a dictator is a person who influences the formation of a state. Surely a dictator brings so big changes to a region that they quickly seize power and determine the political system.
Although in the modern era, the dictatorial political system has begun to be replaced by a democratic political system. Even a Vladimir Putin who is considered a dictator by Joe Biden said the authoritarian and dictatorial political system is a political system that will not last long.
Putin views the democratic political system as the ideal and best political system. In addition to involving the people in making decisions, the democratic political system gives civil society freedom of space to group and assemble.
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Types of Dictators
Military Dictator
Military dictatorship is a power that uses the military as a tool to regulate government. History records that many countries have had dark experiences in military dictatorships.
Usually in military dictatorships crimes against humanity such as murder, torture and genocide often occur. Civil society is not able to fight because to fight means to be ready to accept the consequences.
In addition to the military having the freedom to use weapons, the military also does not hesitate to carry out violence and even murder. Civil society will be imprisoned by fear and strict regulations because usually the leader in a military dictator is a Military Commander
Dictator Politics
A leader in a political dictatorship does not have to be from the military but can come from civilians. Laws and laws are only a connector for the interests of the rulers.
Rulers have the freedom to regulate government and political rhythms. The existence of an electoral system is only a puppet of the ruling orchestra. The rulers can control all aspects of life whether political, legal and cultural.
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Characteristics of a Dictator Political System
Power is Concentrated on One or a Group of People
This political system places power centralized in one or a group of people. Such power is prone to violence and abuse of authority.
In addition to the absence of criticism from society, the dictator’s political system places citizens as people who are obliged to obey state rules. Protesting in any form will be considered rebellion and must be removed.
Government Not Based on Constitution
Absolute power dominates so that laws and even constitutions are useless. The law will apply and be useful but will be enacted in an emergency and of course at the command of the interests of the dictatorial ruler
Countries By Power
In this political system, power is usually obtained from a coup and forced process. As a result, all governance is based on power. Laws and laws are not a reference in a dictator’s political system.
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Formation of Government Not Through Deliberation
Leaders in this political system have the flexibility to determine the structure of government. The formation of government is usually through orders or orders through the ruler and of course has legal force.
Although not in a state of urgency or emergency, the rulers in this system are free to issue decrees.
Non-Democratic Elections
Elections in a dictatorial political system remain a routine that needs to be carried out, but there is only one party that has a monopoly on power.
Although there are several parties that are competitors, these parties are only as administrative complements. Elections are only to legitimise government power even though there is a monopoly and mobilisation to win one candidate.
Election Suspension And Civil Liberties
Civil liberties are just wishful thinking in a dictatorial system. People who protest, demonstrate and criticise to disturb the stability or status quo will experience repression from the government
Even if the leaders are unable to control the wave of protests, the demonstrators will not hesitate to experience violence, even to the point of murder.
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Repression Against Political Opponents
In almost a dictatorial political system, there is no opposition in terms of government structures or civil movements. Even though there are political opponents, the dictatorial leader will get rid of him by all means, both by means of restraint, detention, suppression and suppression.
No Rule of Law
The legal position in this system is not at the highest level. The law has even become a tool for the rulers to perpetuate the power and status quo.
In contrast to the political system of liberal democracy, which places the law in the highest position as a limit for the authorities to carry out governance.
Leaders Try to Authenticate Themselves
Propaganda will be a dictator’s weapon for self-cultivation. Usually propaganda through the mass media, both electronic and television.
Take rarely also with fake news to give effect to fear on the people. The media narrative will always be positive towards the government and it happens every day maybe even in prime time.