Today, we finished discussing "How to be a Dictator" the notes (add these to yesterday's) are posted below. From now until the holidays are over, you are expected to read chapters 5, 6, and 7 of your text and either make reading notes or create three visuals (one per chapter) to use for study purposes. Understand that you will have a unit exam the first week you are back. Make sure you also study the essay sheet for assignment II that I already handed out.
The Use of Force
Terror and violence are effective measures for subduing a population and maintaining total control over them. Particularly effective is the use of a Secret Police whose powers enable them to enforce the will of the government. They are empowered to deliver swift and arbitrary punishment to anyone suspected of possible disloyalty to the government. Citizens who “might” one day oppose the government are prime candidates for imprisonment, torture, or liquidation. Their disappearance serves to terrorize any potential opposition.
Controlled Participation
People who are allowed to participate in and contribute to something are more likely to support it. Totalitarian dictatorships rally the people into displays of support for the government. Elections are held to allow the people to vote for the candidate chosen by the government. There is no opposition. The election process is simply an opportunity to allow people a sense of participating in government.
Government sponsored youth groups provide opportunities for young children to take an active part in their country. Such groups are also the primary source for future supporters and members of the government.
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