Mention the merits and demerits of dictatorship.
Or
Discuss four merits or advantages of dictatorship.
Or
Explain three demerits or disadvantages of dictatorship or Authoritarianism.

Merits of Dictatorship: Dictatorship means “rule by a few”. A particular individual has large powers in the government and he exercises his own will while taking the decisions. Dictatorship is admired by some, on the following grounds:

(i) Quick and Decisive Action: The dictators take all the decisions themselves. They do not have to consult anybody before taking decisions. They also don't need to discuss the issue in the parliament before making decisions. This enables them to take quick and decisive decisions. This saves a lot of time and speeds up the process of decision-making.

(ii) Efficiency: Dictatorship regimes are efficient. All the decisions are taken by one individual or a party. The decisions get executed quickly also. This means the orders are carried out as soon as they are passed. This brings speed and efficiency in the system.

(iii) National Cohesion: Dictators do not allow any disagreement in the country. This keeps the people united in the country. All the conflicts and divisive forces are kept in check under dictatorship.

(iv) Stability: There are no competing political parties in the system. There is no competition in the political system to win the elections. Also there are no opposition parties to criticise the ruling government. This ensures stability in the government.

 Demerits of Dictatorship or Authoritarianism: Dictatorship means “rule by a few”. All the powers in the government are with a single person or with a single party. The following are the demerits of dictatorship:

(i) Incorrect Decisions : All the decisions are taken by the dictator himself. He, generally, does not consult anybody before taking the decision. This means that the decisions taken by him can be wrong also. But the cost of such wrong decisions has to be paid by the citizens of the country.

(ii) Violence : Since the masses are not consulted before taking decisions, there is, generally, dissatisfaction among them. This dissatisfaction often results in violent conflicts and protests against the government. Dictatorship curbs individual liberty and leads to violence and tensions in the country.

(iii) Suppression of Civil Liberties: People are not allowed to disagree with the policies and programmes of the government. They have to follow the orders of the government. There is no liberty of thought, speech and writing and strict censorship is exercised over the mass media.