Which of the following characterizes an authoritarian regime?

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Prepare for UCF POT4314 Contemporary Democratic Theory Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Pass your exam with confidence!

An authoritarian regime is primarily characterized by control over political freedoms, meaning that while the state may allow some level of economic freedom, it restricts individuals' rights to political participation and dissent. In such regimes, the government exercises significant power over political life, often through censorship, repression of political opposition, and limited electoral competition.

The notion of no control over political freedoms does not align with the fundamental principles of authoritarianism, which inherently involves the suppression of these freedoms to maintain the regime's power. On the other hand, options that depict varying degrees of control over society and the economy, such as partial control over economic freedoms or complete social control, reflect the realities of authoritarian governance better. Thus, recognizing that political freedoms are heavily constrained in authoritarian systems highlights why this option does not accurately describe the regime.