Dictatorship

Meaning of Dictator
one holding complete autocratic control : a person with unlimited governmental power
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Definition of Dictatorship
Dictatorship, form of government in which one person or a small group possesses absolute
power without effective constitutional limitations. (Britannica)
According to Ford,
“Dictatorship is the assumption of extra-legal authority by the head of state.”
“Growing disposition to trust one man, or a few led by one, rather than an elected assembly”.
(Modern Democracies by Lord Bryce)
Dictatorship is a system in which a person makes his government by force. He is a man of
absolute authority. All the political powers and authorities are in accordance of his will.
(Dictatorship by Alfred Cobbon)

Historical background of Dictatorship

The ancient Greeks and Romans called it Tyranny and Dictatorship respectively.
In Greek Practice  The tyrant / dictator

 Captured the power by source

 Held it by force
In Roman practice  The dictator was appointed to the supreme office

 Under the law

 By the consent of Roman Senate
 For a specific period of time
 To deal with some emergency situation
In Modern Practice  Modern dictatorship is established

 Against law/constitution
 By means of coup d’état/ military coup
 It is life long affair

Types of modern dictatorship

On the basis of ideology/ structure/ doctrine and mechanism through which they come to
power

 Military dictatorships are regimes in which a group of officers holds power, determines
who will lead the country, and exercises influence over policy. High-level elites and
a leader are the members of the military dictatorship. Military dictatorships are
characterized by rule by a professionalized military as an institution. In military regimes,
elites are referred to as junta members; they are typically senior officers (and often
other high-level officers) in the military. It was observed in Pakistan, Turkey, Burma,
Middle East.
 Single-party dictatorships are regimes in which one party dominates politics. In single-
party dictatorships, a single party has access to political posts and control over policy. In
single-party dictatorships, party elites are typically members of the ruling body of the
party, sometimes called the central committee, politburo, or secretariat. These groups
of individuals controls the selection of party officials and "organizes the distribution of
benefits to supporters and mobilizes citizens to vote and show support for party leaders.
It is also known as fascist dictatorship. For example, in Italy by Mussolini in 1992, In
Germany by Hitler in 1933.
 Monarchic dictatorships are in regimes in which "a person of royal descent has
inherited the position of head of state in accordance with accepted practice or
constitution". Regimes are not considered dictatorships if the monarch's role is largely
ceremonial, but absolute monarchies, such as Saudi Arabia, can be
considered hereditary dictatorships. Elites in monarchies are typically members of
the royal family.
 Sectarian dictatorship was developed by Lenin in Russia in 1917 along with labourers.

Characteristics/Features of Dictatorship
 Product of crisis
 Arbitrary exercise of power
 Aggressive method of decision making
 Abolition of legal and constitutional basis of political power
 Despotic method of political and social control
 Rule of one person or party
 Absolute or unlimited powers
 Coercion and violence
 Slogan of supremacy of state
 Control on media
 Glamourize national supremacy

Demerits of Dictatorship
  Corruption and dishonesty
 Not permanent institutions
 Uncertain system of government
 Based on force and violence
 Political rights denied
 End of liberties and rights of individuals
 Apathy in public affairs
 Discourages initiatives
 Spreads war and violence

Merits of Dictatorship
 Suitable for emergencies
 Economic developments
 Strong defence of state
 Less expansive government
 Services of best men possible
 Efficient/ prompt internal administration
 Focus on social services

Note :--
https://youtu.be/ThgnuOZT-lQ
Link for detail of all the above mentioned headings.