As asked.
Based on what I know of those two cultures, I’m sure they think we are far too opinionated and have too many freedoms/ choices.
Agreed. They think a leader who allows citizens to banty about with how laws and culture should be are indecisive and useless.
You mean (if) Putin thinks a certain way about his citizens, and how would that be different from how he thinks about American citizens (who vote)?
^Yup.
Russia and China both have elections.