Final answer:
Totalitarian governments might be considered necessary by some citizens in times of extreme crisis or emergency (option A) due to the need for decisive leadership and control. However, totalitarianism is not typically aligned with societies that prioritize individual freedoms, diverse opinions, or those that are already peaceful and stable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under what circumstances would a totalitarian government be necessary or preferred by its citizens? The option that most aligns with the concept of totalitarianism is A) In times of extreme crisis or emergency. During such periods, the need for strong, centralized control and rapid decision-making might lead some to believe that a totalitarian government is capable of providing the stability and order necessary to overcome the crisis.
However, in a society that values individual freedoms (option B), a society with diverse opinions (option C), or a peaceful and stable society (option D), a totalitarian form of government would not typically be preferred. Totalitarian governments are characterized by exercising complete control over both public and private life, imposing censorship, and utilizing mass surveillance to suppress opposition and centralize power in the hands of a single leader or ruling party.
Examples of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century include the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin and the Italian Fascist regime under Benito Mussolini, which exemplified the oppressive nature and control over citizens' lives, including occupation, religious beliefs, and public demonstrations of support for the regime.