History GCSE
Authoritarianism
What Authoritarianism means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definition of Authoritarianism
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Authoritarianism in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: Pearson Edexcel
Centralised control without genuine democratic input, ensured by democratic centralism, under which lower levels had to strictly obey decisions made by the top leadership.
Topics that use Authoritarianism
- Option 32: Key topic 1: Establishing communist rule, 1945–59 - 2 Communist rule (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Cult of personality
- Democratic centralism
- Ideology
- Mass party membership
- Political control
- Political power
Using Authoritarianism in the exam
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