Which statement best contrasts democracy and authoritarianism regarding citizen participation and political freedoms?

• A. Democracy restricts political participation and individual rights.
• B. Democracy allows elections and civil liberties.
• C. Authoritarianism allows broad political freedoms.
• D. Authoritarianism emphasizes equality in elections.

Answer: (B)

Citizen participation and political freedoms are what set democracy apart from authoritarianism. In a democracy, people can vote in elections, run for office, join political groups, and enjoy civil liberties like freedom of speech, press, assembly, and due process. By contrast, authoritarian regimes concentrate power, limit participation, and curtail freedoms, often restricting who can vote, what can be said, and how laws are applied. So the statement that democracy allows elections and civil liberties best contrasts the two systems. The other descriptions either misstate democracy’s openness or mischaracterize authoritarian rule.