Quote:
Originally posted by GreatWyrm of Babylon@09-28-2003 09:44 AM
The only form of government listed that has ever existed in 'pure' form would have to be dictatorship, which should be labeled totalitorian, since dictatorship is just a variation on that form. The UN is actually a rather pathetic example of an oligarchy, since it is so influenced by outside forces.
Actually, Oligarchy is the most losely defined system on the list. It can range from two powerful leaders competing over control for a country, to several dozen specific comittees that have power over the section that they are in charge of. The word simply means rule by the few, but it was as opposed to rule by the one (as in dictatorship) and rule by the many (as in republic). Therefore, few simply means that it is elitist, and has a larger power structure than a comparitive totalitarian form. Hardly limiting at all.
The dictionary's available on the net seem totally in the dark about what the system even is. Definition #2 is apparently simply someone's opinion...
Main Entry: ol·i·gar·chy
Pronunciation: 'ä-l&-"gär-kE, 'O-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -chies
Date: 1542
1 : government by the few
2 : a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes; also : a group exercising such control
3 : an organization under oligarchic control |
Totalitarian regimes are different to dictatorships. Dictatorships can sit back, do as they please, and let their populations do similarly as long as they don't break laws/piss off the top guy. Totalitarian regimes however attempt to control or define the lives of all of their citizens/subjects.
From Rod Hague & Martin Harrops Comparative Government and Politics
Quote:
| the totalitarian governments...sought control over their populations in an attempt to construct a new order of society, whether fascist or communist. Such governments demanded the active support of the people, not merely the passive acquiesience with which most authoritarian rulers rest content |
First useful thing I've learnt at Uni so far is that redefinition, apart from drinking games and how dangerous barbed wire is in the dark.