What does authoritarianism emphasize?

Authoritarianism emphasizes strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedoms and individual rights. In an authoritarian system, governance is typically centralized and decisions are made by a powerful leader or ruling party, rather than through democratic processes involving widespread participation or consensus. This focus on submission to authority can lead to an environment where dissent is discouraged or suppressed, and citizens may have limited avenues for expressing their opinions or influencing government policies.

The other options present contrasting concepts; personal freedom and autonomy, community decision-making, and equal rights all promote individual participation and democratic principles, which are generally incompatible with the core tenets of authoritarianism. Thus, the emphasis on obedience to authority is fundamentally what defines the structure and function of an authoritarian regime.