Government Systems and Political Ideologies

Totalitarianism

Origins

Totalitarianism is a form of government which began to show its presence after the First World War. After the war, countries tried to set up democratic governments such as the Weimar republic. Everyone in the country would have a right to speak, to vote and to form new political parties. This sudden freedom gave way to a negative reaction, causing the collapse of governments such as the Weimar. In its place, countries were ruled by the totalitarian form of government.

Pros and Cons

Having only one political party can stabilize a turbulent situation in any country, as can be seen in the case of Germany, but the freedom of people is to a certain extent compromised. As all forms of media and communication in the country are controlled by the government, propaganda is prevalent. When citizens keep hearing only pro-government material, it makes them more patriotic to a certain extent

From the word “totalitarianism”, it is obvious that this form of system wants to have “total” control over their people. Unlike democratic rule, under totalitarianism, people have no right to speak, form political parties, or even choose their religion. Totalitarianism restricts what people think and their wants. There can only be one political party ruling the country. Like in Germany, from 1933 to 1945, Nazism took over the country and all political parties were banned except for their own German Nationalist Party, in short Nazis. This ensured that the ruling party would always be in power, but the citizens had no rights to vote who they wanted and they had to follow what the orders of the government. Some examples of totalitarianism states are Russian, a communist state, Germany and Italy which were both Fascist states.

Impact on Society

Totalitarianism has a big impact on technology and science, scientists in the country have restrictions as to what to invent. Like in Germany, Jewish inventions were rejected. They faced many ethnic challenges when they wanted to do certain kinds of projects. Scientists in totalitarian government were less free to do the research they wanted than other democratic countries. And the state had the right to use the products of the scientists in any way they chose.

Under Hitler's reign, Germany was under Totalitarianism

Features

The features of totalitarianism are defined to be different from authoritarianism and dictatorship. There are several features defined by political scientists. The first feature is that there is only one political party in the country. The rest of them are either brought under the control of the government or eliminated. Including all companies and agencies, they belong to the state. The second is control over all means of communication; this serves to solidify the ideologies proposed by the government. That is, making the people to hear what the government wants them to hear. The third is having control over the weapons to prevent any revolutions. By controlling the weapons, the rulers can effectively make sure that no one is able to stage a revolt. And having weapons can stop any revolutions if there are. The fourth is to have control over the economy. As the government already has the control over all companies, this feature ensures access to the resources needed by the state for any projects. And it also makes the citizens become dependent on the state for jobs, any objections or complaints about the state will cause them to be fired.

The final feature is that the country uses terror to rule the country like the Nazi Germany which had the SA and SS to impose fear. They eliminated any threats to their rule, including any autonomous organization or parties. Even members of the ruling party are sometimes not excluded from being investigated by the police. Any members deemed as threats to the government would be eliminated. For example, the ruthless “Night of the Long Knives”, where the loyal members of Nazi Government were killed, so as to prevent them from going against him.

References

Totalitarianism - MSN Encarta. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761574819.

Barington, L. (n.d.). Totalitarianism | Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics. Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://www.bookrags.com/research/totalitarianism-este-0001_0004_0/.

Poon, H. W. (n.d.). Totalitarinism in Europe. Retrieved March 22, 2008 from , Web site: http://www.thecorner.org/hist/total/total.htm

	Totalitarianism Origins Totalitarianism is a form of government which began to show its presence after the First World War. After the war, countries tried to set up democratic governments such as the Weimar republic. Everyone in the country would have a right to speak, to vote and to form new political parties. This sudden freedom gave way to a negative reaction, causing the collapse of governments such as the Weimar. In its place, countries were ruled by the totalitarian form of government. Pros and Cons Having only one political party can stabilize a turbulent situation in any country, as can be seen in the case of Germany, but the freedom of people is to a certain extent compromised. As all forms of media and communication in the country are controlled by the government, propaganda is prevalent. When citizens keep hearing only pro-government material, it makes them more patriotic to a certain extent From the word “totalitarianism”, it is obvious that this form of system wants to have “total” control over their people. Unlike democratic rule, under totalitarianism, people have no right to speak, form political parties, or even choose their religion. Totalitarianism restricts what people think and their wants. There can only be one political party ruling the country. Like in Germany, from 1933 to 1945, Nazism took over the country and all political parties were banned except for their own German Nationalist Party, in short Nazis. This ensured that the ruling party would always be in power, but the citizens had no rights to vote who they wanted and they had to follow what the orders of the government. Some examples of totalitarianism states are Russian, a communist state, Germany and Italy which were both Fascist states. Impact on Society Totalitarianism has a big impact on technology and science, scientists in the country have restrictions as to what to invent. Like in Germany, Jewish inventions were rejected. They faced many ethnic challenges when they wanted to do certain kinds of projects. Scientists in totalitarian government were less free to do the research they wanted than other democratic countries. And the state had the right to use the products of the scientists in any way they chose. Under Hitler's reign, Germany was under Totalitarianism Features The features of totalitarianism are defined to be different from authoritarianism and dictatorship. There are several features defined by political scientists. The first feature is that there is only one political party in the country. The rest of them are either brought under the control of the government or eliminated. Including all companies and agencies, they belong to the state. The second is control over all means of communication; this serves to solidify the ideologies proposed by the government. That is, making the people to hear what the government wants them to hear. The third is having control over the weapons to prevent any revolutions. By controlling the weapons, the rulers can effectively make sure that no one is able to stage a revolt. And having weapons can stop any revolutions if there are. The fourth is to have control over the economy. As the government already has the control over all companies, this feature ensures access to the resources needed by the state for any projects. And it also makes the citizens become dependent on the state for jobs, any objections or complaints about the state will cause them to be fired. The final feature is that the country uses terror to rule the country like the Nazi Germany which had the SA and SS to impose fear. They eliminated any threats to their rule, including any autonomous organization or parties. Even members of the ruling party are sometimes not excluded from being investigated by the police. Any members deemed as threats to the government would be eliminated. For example, the ruthless “Night of the Long Knives”, where the loyal members of Nazi Government were killed, so as to prevent them from going against him. References Totalitarianism - MSN Encarta. (n.d.). Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761574819. Barington, L. (n.d.). Totalitarianism \| Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics. Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://www.bookrags.com/research/totalitarianism-este-0001_0004_0/. Poon, H. W. (n.d.). Totalitarinism in Europe. Retrieved March 22, 2008 from , Web site: http://www.thecorner.org/hist/total/total.htm
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A to Z government systems A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable whichmeans that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups A system where a Government is unnecessary and undesirable which means that everything is based on voluntary cooperation by individuals and groups One person who has absolute rule over a country or a state and is usually hereditary or they claim as being given divine right with or without advisors. A system combining Anarchism and capitalism A system where there is no State or capitalism A system combing Anarchism and savagery where savagery means acceptance comes easily. A system where there are no hierarchies such as political or economic hierarchies. A system where labour is emphasized and thus it has trade unions that replace the State A system where there is more democratic decision-making A government with only a few people who are thought to be best qualified. A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. A concentration of power in a leader who is not constitutionally responsible to the people A one person government. A system that is ruled by enlightened monarchs. A system that is suitable for Islams as this system represents the political unity of the Muslims A system that combines republic and capitalism together. A system where the health of the community is the first priority A system where there is no such thing as a private property because the goods are owned by the government and is available to anyone if needed A system where many opinions are taken into consideration before making decisions The system of Constitutional Monarchy has a Head of State that does not change as the governments change and a Government. Only the elected Officials can pass laws, the Head of State acts as an advisor to the Officials. Leaders are elected by the people but the leaders have a limited power over the people and must go according to constitutional laws A system where there are civic assemblies which represents the country's economic, social, industry and cultural aspects A system where the making of laws must arise from the public if not the law cannot be approved. A system where there is democratic representations in a country without the use of elections. A democratic republic is a country where there is freedom of speech, election and press. A system where two rulers have equal shared absolute power over the country Government organization or group in with unlimited power A true democratic system where the people elect their leaders System where ruler with absolute power over the country. A system similar to that of tyranny where all is controlled by one man. A system ruled by dukes or duchesses A system combining Anarchism but with saving the environment as their first priority. A monarchy whose ruler is elected by the people. A monarchy that is Arab-suited A system that concentrates on the society's welfare as a whole and thus seeks patriotism. A system used by the medieval age where warriors and nobility rule. A system where the oldest are the leaders A system ruled by grand dukes or grand duchesses A system where the power lies with the loser level of government such as the name suggests, grassroots A system for the Jews because non-Jews would not be granted full citizenship. A monarchy where the kingship is passed to the sons when the father dies. A system with the Pope as its leader. A system where the people elect their leaders but the leaders have the freedom to do what they want. A system combining democracy with a religion, Islam A name that is given to many Muslim countries Government by those who want power and personal gain. A system where judges rule and rules by natural rights A system where judges rule but based on the judges opinions A system where the people elect the leaders to make decisions for them. A system which emphasizes on liberty, freedom for the people. A system where absolute power is given to magicians and wizards A government where females rule. Government by those with talent. A system where military force is used to establish freedom and liberty. A military-based government that has absolute rule over the country A system combining oligarchy, democracy and monarchy. A democratic system where there are no government parties. A small group which makes up the government which is usually corrupted and do things for their own sake. Government by the majority. A system where the people are allowed to coose whatever government system they want. A system similar to the parliamentary system except that the head of state does not have that much power. A system where the parliament checks on the executive branch of the government A system where voting is limited and where politicians take care of the governing of the country A system where the people vote on the legislation and executive bills instead of electing leaders to do it for them. Timocracy, Government controlled by the rich. A state where government uses police by means to control the life of the citizens. A monarchy where the monarch's title is linked to the people. A system where the executive branch is independent of the legislative branch. A monarchy where the monarch's title is prince A system combining democracy and religion A system where the government is elected by the people and the government has the responsibility in acting in people's interest. A system where there is restricted democracy A system where robots rule One person who proclaims himself as king which would usually lead to hereditary monarchy. A system similar to that of a presidential system except for the fact that the president and prime minister gets involved in everyday decision-making. A system where there is only 1 government party running the country and no other party is allowed to enter for elections. A system combining socialism and democracy A system that emphasizes on socialism that also has aspects of free market in its economy. A democratic system where workers are represented in government too. A system where the rulers are those highly-skilled and qualified. Maritime (relating to navigation or commerce on the sea) government Government of a state by divine rule, usually by people who are guided by the deities Government of a state by God. A democratic system where the leader is elected but has absolute rule. Absolute state which the people must follow orders from. Tribalism existed during the time of primitive men. Thus, it has a sense of primitive in it. However, it also emphasizes on communism and equality. A government ruled by an oppressive and severely unjust ruler. A system with administrative divisions governed by a person who is governed by the viceroy. A system combining democracy and parliamentary system which is somewhat similar to the United nations is adopting Auto: Manual: Drag Me