Essay on Dictatorship in English for School Students

‘A dictatorship is a form of government where one person possesses absolute power over the country through citizens, their fundamental rights, the economy and likewise. All important decisions and policies are made by the dictator and under dictatorship with less or no intervention of citizens. 

The key features of dictatorship are the suspension of elections, fundamental rights, freedom of speech, press and civil liberties. The citizens living in a dictatorship do not have any political freedom whereas the military and police are loyal towards the dictator. They are often seen in acts of suppression towards the opposition through fear or force. 

Proponents who are in favour of dictatorship favour no opposition parties and quick pass and implement of laws. According to the supporters, these advantages help in fast economic growth and development. On the other hand, dictatorships also have major disadvantages. Lack of accountability, human rights abuses, corruption and policy failures can lead to public resentment in future. Further, the act of concentration of wealth and power by the dictator as well as by the elites becomes the reason for increasing inequality. 

In a dictatorship, the citizens have no political freedom or self-determination. The dictator is supreme and makes the decisions for individual rights which further contradicts the basic human desire for liberty. Unfortunately, dictatorship ends through a violent revolution or assassination of the leader which shows the instability and long-suppressed rage of the people. Though dictatorship offers some economic and political benefits, dictatorship is a big failure in a broader sense as good governance always focuses on the balance of peace, law and order for all citizens.

Thank you.’

‘The origin of dictatorship can be traced back to ancient civilization. Charismatic leaders emerged during times of crises when there was a need for control and the restoration of order. The earliest history of dictatorship was seen in the Shogun era in Japan, which lasted from 1185 to 1868. The shogun was the military dictator of Japan and often held de facto control over the emperor. The reason for the emergence of the shogun form of dictatorship emerged in response to the need for a centralised power in Japan. To fulfil the aim, the Shogunate provided a unified and disciplined approach to governance during the conflicts and power struggles. 

England experienced Oliver Cromwell who was an English statesman, politician and soldier who was known as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland after defeating King Charles I in the Civil War. After winning the English Civil War, Cromwell dissolved the monarchy and established a republic known as the Commonwealth of England. 

Under the leadership of Oliver, military governance was set up replacing traditional governance. Cromwell´s rule had features of strict control, putting an end to the argument and emphasis on moral values. All these features reflect a form of authoritarianism which was much needed as a necessity for maintaining law and order.

These historical examples help us to understand that dictatorship emerged due to the emergence of crises that happened either due to external or internal threats or violent disturbances in society. The charismatic leadership of the potential leaders, with control and order, set up authoritative roles and addressed the challenges of the community.

Further, the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 30s also has the intensity of authoritarian dictatorships. Benito Mussolini in the year 1922 banned the opposition parties and regulation of economic activities. Adolf Hitler, in 1933 after becoming the Chancellor of Germany consolidated Nazi rule through the imprisonment of opponents. All these forms of authoritarianism came into existence during times of crises and instability and were committed strongmen and security to the people. 

Coming to the ideology of the modern dictatorship, which is called Autocracy is different from dictatorship. The prominent features of an Autocratic government focus on power in the single person without any subject to external legal constraints. Some autocratic countries in modern times are Yemen, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Syria and Oman. 

In conclusion, dictatorships may offer some short-term benefits such as quick decision-making and economic growth but still, the system is full of flaws in the long run. Concentration of power, corruption, violation of the basic rights of citizens, violence and oppression are some disadvantages that lead to resentment and gain the confidence of the citizens in any way.

Thank you.’