Final answer:
Democratic governments generally protect basic rights and allow for political and civil freedoms, while authoritarian governments often restrict these liberties and may increase the incidence of democide and war. Democracies are less prone to famine and usually avoid conflict with other democracies. Both government types vary in practice, and a spectrum exists within each category.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing democratic governments and authoritarian governments, we observe differences in several areas. Democracies ensure the protection of basic rights, including the freedom to organize political parties, hold elections, and maintain freedoms such as speech, press, and assembly. These governments operate under a constitution that restricts the powers and term lengths of leaders, reflecting the will of the people.
By contrast, authoritarian governments, such as totalitarian regimes, often exercise complete control over the population, suppress freedoms, and may rule through a dictatorship or a single party. These systems can lead to higher instances of democide and war, and under their rule, basic rights are often not secured, resulting in lower levels of happiness and freedom among the populace.
Research indicates that democracies are less likely to engage in war with one another and are better at preventing famines, partly due to the presence of a free press and accountability mechanisms. However, it is critical to note that not all democracies perfectly uphold these principles, and there is a spectrum of democratic practices among countries claiming to be democratic.