How do democratic and totalitarian governments differ in their handling of military affairs? Democratic countries usually do not maintain large armies, whereas such forces are essential to totalitarian
governments
Military leaders are popularly elected in totalitarian countries, while in democratic countries they are appointed by
civilian leaders.
Elected governments control militaries in democratic countries, while in totalitarian countries, they are dominated
by the leader
In totalitarian countries, the public must vote to approve a declaration of war, but presidents in democratic
countries may independently decide to go to war.