Question

Characteristics of an Authoritarian State include:
(A) Abolition of Civil liberties.
(B) Freedom of political activities.
(C) Restrictions on freedom of press.
(D) Infringement of Fundamental Rights.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B) and (D) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

An authoritarian state is defined by concentrated power held by a leader or elite group, lacking constitutional accountability to the populace. Let us analyze each option:

• (A) Abolition of Civil liberties: Authoritarian regimes commonly suppress or eliminate civil liberties like freedom of speech, assembly, and religion to ensure control and quash opposition.
• (B) Freedom of political activities: This is typically absent in authoritarian states. Political activities, especially those challenging the ruling power, are usually curtailed or entirely prohibited.
• (C) Restrictions on freedom of press: Authoritarian governments typically enforce stringent media controls to manage information flow and silence dissenting voices.
• (D) Infringement of Fundamental Rights: These regimes frequently disregard individual rights and freedoms to preserve their authority and power.

Based on these points, the defining characteristics of an authoritarian state are (A), (C), and (D). Option (B) is incorrect because freedom of political activities is antithetical to authoritarian governance.