What is a characteristic feature of controlled participation in totalitarian regimes?

A characteristic feature of controlled participation in totalitarian regimes is mass rallies. Totalitarian governments often organize large public events, such as rallies, to showcase their power and demonstrate public support for the regime. These rallies serve multiple purposes: they create a sense of unity among the populace, project an image of strength and popularity, and allow the government to carefully control the narrative presented to the public. In these settings, participation is typically coerced or highly regulated, ensuring that only favorable expressions of loyalty to the regime are visible.

In contrast, genuine public elections, freedom of assembly, and independent media are generally absent or heavily restricted in totalitarian systems. Such regimes do not allow true democratic processes that include free and fair elections, as those could threaten their hold on power. Freedom of assembly is curbed to control dissent, and independent media is suppressed to limit the dissemination of alternative viewpoints. Thus, mass rallies emerge as a key feature that reinforces the regime's image while managing public participation in a controlled manner.