AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How does the independence of governmental branches differ between democratic and authoritarian regimes?
In democratic regimes, branches of government are more likely to be independent to prevent the concentration of power, whereas in authoritarian regimes, power is often consolidated within a single branch or leader.
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How does the independence of governmental branches differ between democratic and authoritarian regimes?
In democratic regimes, branches of government are more likely to be independent to prevent the concentration of power, whereas in authoritarian regimes, power is often consolidated within a single branch or leader.
How does the nature of citizen participation indicate the difference between democratic and authoritarian governments?
In democracies, citizen participation is typically free, active, and meaningful, while in authoritarian states, participation is often restricted, coerced, or purely symbolic.
What is an illiberal democracy or hybrid regime?
It is a type of authoritarian regime where democratic institutions and elections exist, but they are manipulated to limit opposition and civil liberties, preventing a true democracy.
What is the main function of having independent governmental branches in a democracy?
The independence of branches serves to prevent any one branch from controlling all governmental power, creating a system of checks and balances.
Why is governmental transparency an important factor in determining if a state is democratic?
A high degree of transparency in governmental decision-making allows for public accountability and citizen oversight, which are core principles of democracy.
List three types of authoritarian regimes mentioned in the text.
Authoritarian regimes include illiberal democracies (hybrid regimes), one-party states, theocracies, totalitarian governments, and military regimes.
If a country has regular elections but the government controls all major news outlets and limits opposition candidates, what type of regime might it be?
This country could be classified as an illiberal democracy or a hybrid regime, a type of authoritarian system that mimics democratic processes without true freedom.
How is state control of the media used as an indicator of a country's political system?
A high degree of state influence or control over the media is an indicator of authoritarianism, while media freedom is a characteristic of democracy.
What role do free and fair elections play in evaluating a state's level of democracy?
The degree and consistent practice of free and fair elections are a crucial indicator of a democratic state, distinguishing it from authoritarian regimes which may lack them or hold fraudulent elections.
What is the principle of the rule of law?
The rule of law is the principle that a state should be governed by established laws and not by the arbitrary decisions of individual government officials.