How the US Resembles the Former Soviet Union

Comparison of Totalitarianism and the United States Government

Introduction

Totalitarianism is a form of government that stands in stark contrast to the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded. This paper will delve into the fundamental doctrines of totalitarianism, its differences from the U.S. government, its relation to John Locke's Social Contract Theory, and the nations that practice it.

Totalitarianism: Definition and Fundamental Doctrines

Totalitarianism is a political system where the state acknowledges no boundaries to its authority, striving to govern every facet of both public and private existence. At its core, totalitarianism is characterized by the centralization of absolute power, typically vested in a singular authority or a limited group. This regime is notorious for its suppression of any opposition, often through force or intimidation. Furthermore, the state exerts control over a vast array of life's dimensions, encompassing the economy, education, and even the personal beliefs and values of its citizens. A hallmark of this system is the pervasive use of propaganda, which is strategically employed to shape and manipulate the opinions of the public.

Differences from the United States

The United States operates as a federal republic with a representative democracy. One of the most pronounced differences between it and totalitarianism is in the distribution of power. In the U.S., power is divided equally among three distinct branches of government, so that each branch provides a system of checks and balances on the others. This contrasts with totalitarian systems where power is totally centralized, often in the hands of a single person or group.

Another difference is that U.S. Constitution emphasizes protection of civil liberties, by guaranteeing citizens a number of stated and specific rights and freedoms. In contrast, totalitarian governments are typically known for adopting measures that restrict certain freedoms, like in China where widespread adoption of social credit scoring systems has restricted people’s ability to travel or spend (Hoffman).

Yet another distinguishing factor is the electoral process. The U.S. holds regular elections so that citizens can choose their representatives. While totalitarian states might also hold elections, it is not guaranteed. Elections in both the US and totalitarians countries are liable to fraud, however, and many suspect the outcomes in both types of government. In this way, there is not much difference between the US and totalitarian systems, since many also consider that the central government is controlled by a small cabal (Gates & Gates).

John Locke's Social Contract Theory posits that people generally consent to give up some of their freedoms to the government in exchange for safety or for protection of their natural rights. Totalitarianism, however, is somewhat similar as it offers protections and security in exchange for the curbing of freedoms. In either case, the perception of benefit in return for giving up rights differs from person to person.

Historically, nations such as Germany under the Third Reich, Stalin's Soviet Union, and Mao's China have practiced totalitarianism. In contemporary times, North Korea is often cited as a prime example. Totalitarian states tend to have command economies where the state controls production, distribution, and prices. The U.S. operates a mixed economy, where market forces determine production and pricing—but command economy is also part of this mix. Totalitarian regimes often suppress cultural expressions that do not align with state ideologies, and in the US there is cancel culture and free speech restrictions in social media—so that is not much different. The U.S. has the First Amendment, which is supposed to permit free expression, but that seems to be challenged more and more.