An authoritarian system of government centralizes power in one person or a small group, suppressing
opposition and emphasizing subordination to the state or ruler.
Do the following actions below support the definition of an authoritarian leader? How many of these are
currently in play in our federal government?
An authoritarian leader:
- often lies with no remorse.
- makes promises he does not keep; or he had never any intention of fulfilling them.
- tries to control all media.
- interferes in all levels of education because ignorance is the best way to control the governed.
- ignores the parts of the Constitution he doesn’t like.
- uses the DOJ to go after his personal enemies.
- uses his position to advance his personal wealth.
- appoints only sycophants to leadership positions; loyalty to him, the only prerequisite.
- allows for the firing of thousands without cause.
- interferes in state governments and state elections.
- is guided by the moneyed rich and powerful.
- willingly sacrifices the well-being of the poor and middle class.
- creates emergencies so that he can send in federal troops which he can control.
- curbs free speech.
- refuses to distribute money Congress previously awarded.
- pardons indiscriminately those justly convicted by juries of their peers.
- creates many presidential “edicts” instead of getting support from Congress.
- builds up the militaristic ICE using funds which take away from social supports.
- rewards the richest with great tax cuts.
- makes Republican congressmen “yes men” fearing his power/rich supporters.
- uses fear and intimidation to control individuals and organizations.
- threatens honest elections — tries for no mail in voting, paper voting only, gerrymandering.
- tries to rewrite history, especially belittling the importance of women and people of color.
- fires or demotes top national security and military leaders.
- says “I am president; I can do anything.” And “ I alone can … .”
- threatens any country or persons that disrespect him.
- thinks tariffs will help the economy; tariffs only raise costs hurting especially middle and lower classes.
- has no compunction when tariffs destroy farming and small businesses.
- before the United Nations, embarrasses his country railing on how he is being demeaned by media and other nations.
- fires or demotes persons in leadership roles even beyond the federal government so that he can replace then with his “yes” men.
Mary Williams
rural Cecil
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