Political science s essay sample

[Essay: Question 3]
It is largely debated whether authoritarian rule should be recognized as legal regime system. Those who are in favor, tend to advocate strict order, obedience and security. People who are against blame authoritarian regimes for violation of basic human rights and suggest democratic rule instead. This essay analyzes pros and cons of both types of government rule.
Democracy is suggested to be the most acceptable rule due to its general accepted benefits. Democratic countries are believed to promote fundamental rights of people: rights to freedom, speech and religion. These principles are justified by international documents that are universal in its form. Supporters of democracy claim the non-hostile nature of state: democracy promotes peace and the democratic states are less interested in conflict and dispute, but rather prefer closer ties through economic interdependence and cultural exchange in comparison to other regimes. In addition, they are guided by high social and economic indicators that democratic countries tend to possess. However, the potential dangers of the democracies should be kept in mind. Democracy means the rule of the majority, and not necessarily it is the fair representation of the society. The voices of minority may not be taken into account and suppressed even under a democratic system. The rights might be infringed, minorities discriminated and democratic countries may indeed promote “ poor” democratic government.
It can be concluded that both authoritarian and democratic regimes have their pros and cons. Democratic states are not necessarily good, and authoritarian regimes do not always end up in underdevelopment and violation of human rights. None of the regimes is “ ideal” in its principles and policies and the regime type should be based upon domestic environment and be justified either by local population or international society.
[Essay: Question 4]
Historically there were 2 major communist countries that applied for leadership in the international arena during Cold War: USSR and China. The very idea of communism was based on Marxist-Leninist thinking of rights of proletariat and creation of a classless society. The public ownership was the main benefit of communist ideology. Education, healthcare system, work placement, particularly everything was delivered by government for free. If the communism was so beneficial, why its ideas failed to be accomplished? This essay analyzes the reasons that led to the collapse of communist regimes.
The first reason communism could not pass the long-run goal of reaching socialism lies in the mentality of people. All the people were united by a single idea of reaching socialism, where everyone is equal; there are no classes and hierarchy present. However, the lack of choice and inherent nature of people to want more by doing less resulted in the collapse of the Soviet regime in USSR. Low standards of living in comparison to Western block and the ability finally to express own opinion have prevailed in the society and spread across Soviet territory in the form of revolutionary ideas.
The second reason lies in the blindness of government, which was preoccupied with Arms Race. The government budget was directed at innovation and development of nuclear arms, while the economic indicators suffered significantly. People were getting poorer and poorer, and the former loyalty and confidence in Party was vanishing.
Regimes either in Russia and China were strict enough and had buried more than ¼ of their population during accomplishment of own policies. The economy was in recession after the Cold War passed the period of detente. Democracy appeared on the horizon as a silver lining and people understood that they can have a better life. Totalitarian regime, centralized economy and complete lack of meeting the demands of its population predetermined the fate of communist ideology.