Authoritarian states are characterized by strong central governments that fairly stringently limit the range of political activity. More often than not, they are one-party states, which means that only one party, that which supports the government, is allowed to engage in political activity. Free discussion and association are strictly curtailed in these systems. Anyone who might dare to criticize the government or to express ideas that are not in conformity with its policies can be severely punished, even by death. Argument; conclusion: More often than not ... engage in political activity. Argument; conclusion: Anyone who might dare to criticize ... even by death. Argument; conclusion: Free discussion and association ... in these systems Argument; conclusion: Authoritarian states ... limit the range of political activity. Nonargument