Democracy vs. Fascism — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Democracy is governance by the people, ensuring individual freedoms and rights, while Fascism is a far-right ideology emphasizing nationalism and often suppressing individual rights.
Difference Between Democracy and Fascism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Democracy and Fascism are distinct in their principles, values, and operational mechanisms. Democracy is predicated on the concept of "rule by the people", wherein the power to govern is vested in the citizenry. This system usually ensures political freedoms, civil rights, and the protection of individual liberties. In contrast, Fascism is rooted in intense nationalism and often incorporates elements of racism and militarism. Under Fascism, the state's interests are prioritized over individual rights, and dissent is often suppressed.
Democracy typically functions through periodic elections where leaders are chosen by the populace based on their policies and track record. Fascism, conversely, might have a centralized authority, potentially charismatic, leading with an iron fist, often disregarding democratic processes.
While Democracy encourages multiplicity of thoughts, allowing divergent opinions and fostering debates, Fascism often promotes a singular perspective, silencing opposition and enforcing conformity.
Comparison Chart
Nature
System of governance
Political ideology
Power Source
Vested in the people
Centralized authority
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Political Freedoms
Ensured and protected
Often suppressed
Focus
Individual rights and liberties
Nationalism, often with racism and militarism
Tolerance to Dissent
Encourages divergent opinions and debates
Promotes singular perspective, silencing opposition
Compare with Definitions
Democracy
A political system that promotes individual freedoms and civil rights.
Under Democracy, citizens have the right to express their opinions freely.
Fascism
A movement associated with extreme militaristic policies.
Fascist regimes often grant significant power to the military.
Democracy
A system of governance where power is vested in the people.
Democracy ensures that the voice of the people is heard.
Fascism
A doctrine marked by centralized control and authority.
Fascism can lead to the concentration of power in a single leader or a small group.
Democracy
A system that values multiplicity of thoughts and opinions.
Democracy encourages healthy debates and discussions on public platforms.
Fascism
Any extreme reliance on or enforcement of rules and regulations.
Democracy
A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction.
Fascism
A political ideology emphasizing nationalism and often racism.
Fascism rose to prominence in 20th-century Europe.
Democracy
Rule based on majority decision while ensuring minority rights.
In a Democracy, the majority's decision prevails, but minority rights are safeguarded.
Fascism
Fascism () is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe. The first fascist movements emerged in Italy during World War I, before spreading to other European countries.
Democracy
Democracy (Greek: δημοκρατία, dēmokratiā, from dēmos 'people' and kratos 'rule') refers to a form of government in which the people either have the authority to choose their governing legislators, or the authority to decide on legislation. Who is considered part of the people and how authority is shared among or delegated by the people has changed over time and at different speeds in different countries, but more and more of the inhabitants of countries have generally been included.
Fascism
An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.
Democracy
Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
Fascism
A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism.
Democracy
A political or social unit that has such a government.
Fascism
A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government.
Democracy
The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
Fascism
Oppressive, dictatorial control.
Democracy
Majority rule.
Fascism
Any right-wing, authoritarian, nationalist ideology characterized by centralized, totalitarian governance, strong regimentation of the economy and society, and repression of criticism or opposition.
Democracy
The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.
Fascism
Any system of strong autocracy or oligarchy usually to the extent of bending and breaking the law, race-baiting, and/or violence against largely unarmed populations.
Democracy
(uncountable) Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government; - opposed to democracy and liberalism.
Democracy
(countable) A state with a democratic system of government.
Fascism
An authoritarian system of government under absolute control of a single dictator, allowing no political opposition, forcibly suppressing dissent, and rigidly controlling most industrial and economic activities. Such regimes usually try to achieve popularity by a strongly nationalistic appeal, often mixed with racism.
Democracy
(uncountable) Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy".
Fascism
Specifically, the Fascist movement led by Benito Mussolini in Italy from 1922 to 1943.
Democracy
Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained and directly exercised by the people.
Fascism
Broadly, a tendency toward or support of a strongly authoritarian or dictatorial control of government or other organizations; - often used pejoratively in this sense.
Democracy
Government by popular representation; a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but is indirectly exercised through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed; a constitutional representative government; a republic.
Fascism
A political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)
Democracy
Collectively, the people, regarded as the source of government.
Fascism
An ideology opposing individualism in favor of the collective.
Fascism prioritizes the needs of the nation over individual rights.
Democracy
The principles and policy of the Democratic party, so called.
Fascism
A system that promotes suppression of dissent and opposition.
Under Fascism, critical voices are often silenced.
Democracy
The political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives
Democracy
A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
Democracy
The doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group
Democracy
Governance based on periodic elections.
Democracy allows citizens to choose their leaders through voting.
Common Curiosities
Are all Democracies alike?
No, Democracies can vary based on factors like governance structure (e.g., direct vs. representative Democracy).
Does Fascism value individual rights?
Fascism typically prioritizes national interests over individual rights, often suppressing them.
Is voter participation essential in a Democracy?
Yes, voter participation is crucial in a Democracy to ensure representation and uphold democratic principles.
Can Democracies transition into Fascist regimes?
Yes, if democratic principles are eroded and power is centralized, Democracies can transition into Fascist regimes.
Was Fascism solely a European phenomenon?
While Fascism has its roots in Europe, similar ideologies have emerged elsewhere.
Are there checks and balances in a Democracy?
Typically, yes. Many Democracies have systems in place to ensure no single entity has unchecked power.
Can a Democracy exist without elections?
Regular elections are fundamental to most democratic systems, ensuring representation and accountability.
Is Democracy always a perfect system?
No system is perfect; Democracy has its challenges, but it prioritizes individual rights and freedoms.
How does the international community view Fascist regimes?
Fascist regimes are often criticized for human rights abuses, but responses can vary based on geopolitical interests.
Can Democracies have flaws or corrupt practices?
Yes, like any system, Democracies can face issues like corruption, but mechanisms for accountability are often in place.
How does Fascism view global cooperation?
Fascism, with its focus on nationalism, might be skeptical of global cooperation, prioritizing national interests.
How does Fascism view different cultures and races?
Fascism often promotes a dominant culture or race, sometimes leading to racism or suppression of minorities.
Is militarism always associated with Fascism?
While militarism is often a component, it's not universally present in every Fascist regime.
Do Fascist regimes always suppress media?
While not always, Fascist regimes often suppress or control media to maintain their narrative and suppress dissent.
How does Democracy handle minority rights?
While majorities decide in Democracies, a true Democracy ensures and respects the rights of minorities.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
