Democracy and Authoritarian System Essay

Please choose from ONE of the following topics for your writing assignment:1)  According to Chapter 8 in the textbook, what is the definition of a democracy?  Looking at the four factors that make up the definition of a democracy, compare those to the characteristics of an authoritarian regime.  What are the similarities and differences between the two systems?  Identify an authoritarian state and discuss in detail how the characteristics of an authoritarian state applies to that country.  (Note:  You should be able to find much of the information about democracy in the chapter.  You will need to do some outside research on authoritarian systems and on a specific authoritarian country.)2) According to Chapter 10 in the textbook, in what ways can states (governments) attempt to influence their economies? Why might they pursue those options, and what are the consequences of those actions?  Do these economic policies usually produce the expected outcome (for example, does lowering taxes lead to greater growth and lower deficits)?  Provide real world examples of how some of these policies have been used by governments.
Journal #2 Instructions
In this course, you will complete a series of History Journal entries, which you will submit twice during the term. Refer to the Assignments and Course Schedule on Syllabus Page 2 for due dates.Journal #2In this second journal activity, you may write about any topic(s) of your choice, but it is best to use the textbook to study.

For this activity, topics should address content covered in Chapters 9 – 15 in the textbook.

It is expected that, at a minimum, you are reading the assigned textbook chapters.

You are encouraged to read collateral historical writings on topics covered in the textbook.

• This activity will consist of 10 separate journal entries; you will have a total of 20 entries by the end of the course.

Each separate entry should:

• Be titled as Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, etc.

Contain a minimum of 120 words.

• Consist of a summary, paraphrase, synthesis of material you are reading/studying in this course.

Be written in your own words – do not quote the work of others verbatim.

• Discuss the subject matter that you are studying – do not simply agree/disagree.

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To gain a better understanding of journal entry expectations, please review the sample entry below:Entry 1What was the Declaration of Independence all about? It was written by Thomas Jefferson but was probably not signed on July 4th, 1776. It was written after hostilities had broken out. Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill had taken place a year earlier. Why so late? The reason might be that the colonies were not yet united in their response to Britain. Many did not want to leave the empire only a few years earlier they had boasted about. Also, taking on the powerful British empire with trained troops seemed almost impossible. Several of the condemnations in the declaration were not true, and they were addressed to King George III rather than Parliament, which had the real power. It is quite possible that the colonial leadership did not want to attack a representative institution even though it was hardly representative of the people of Britain. Still, the declaration won widespread approval and helped to unite the colonists.