Democracy and Dictatorship

Is the distinction more subtle than accurate?


A
Democracy
Mixture of popular rule and liberal limitations on that rule. Essentially democracy has to be liberal democracy making democracy and liberty go hand in hand
Dictatorship
Autocratic rule and unlimited coercion. Dictatorships are above the law and beyond a constitution – form of rule strictly vested within one person.


B
Democracy
Democracy is merely a noun, there is no necessary requirement for it to have liberal elements. The only thing a democracy must have it majority rule. Liberal limitations are not intrinsic to the concept. Dictatorial democracy may exist. What is democracy but nothing than the tyranny of the majority?
Dictatorship
Dictatorships can be democratic. Communist uprisings within Russia (the general will be fulfilled). Blair’s seemingly unlimited powers as demonstrated when he pushes through legislation.


C
Traditional Dictatorships
Monopolize government power (MAY BE DEMOCRATIC)
Totalitarian
Extend political control to all areas of life (NOT USUALLY DEMOCRATIC UNLESS WE HAVE A SINGLE WILL IN SOCIETY)


In essence, there is not a clear cut distinction between democracy and dictatorship as it depends on your definition. Democracy can be liberal, dictatorial, protectionist, elitist, developmental and not all of these are dissimilar to a dictatorship. Dictatorships need not come around without democratic means, and if we have a single will then dictatorships would have legitimacy and democracy.


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