| Democracy | Authoritarianism |
| Governmental leaders are selected by free and fair elections where all citizens can vote. | Competing for power with the ruling group is either limited or nonexistent. |
| Leaders are limited in the power they can exercise, and follow existing laws. | Authoritarian leaders often exercise power arbitrarily and without regard to existing bodies of law. |
| The top leader seeks advisors with expertise and experience in particular areas. | The top leader often uses personal loyalty as the main criterion for choosing advisors. |
| Decisions are generally reached based on benefits to the country and its citizens. | Decisions are generally reached based on benefits to the top leader and his supporters. |
| Non-violent protest and alternative views are welcomed. | Protesters are often arrested. There is little to no toleration of dissent |
| Media is free to express its views. | Media is controlled by the government. |
Democracy is not guaranteed — it is a rare and fragile thing by Tobias Stone, May 4, 2022
We cannot take democracy for granted; those of us living in democracies are enjoying a rare moment of freedom in human history.