The whole world has long been discussing such a thing as democracy. Almost all countries try to comply with its principles. In this article, we will consider the topic "Democracy: the concept and types." In addition, you will learn about the principles, forms and signs of this political regime.
Basic concept
So, we will consider types of democracy a bit later. You should first deal with the term itself. This is a specific form of government, which consists in the full participation of citizens in its leadership. It provides not only the existence of the necessary rights and freedoms, but also universal equality before the laws.
In a democratic society, democracy should be maximally developed. That is, all powers are not required to focus in the hands of one person or group of people. The government that the people choose should be as open as possible to the people, report to them on their activities, and strive to develop the state.
The main signs of democracy
Without them, this form of government cannot exist. So, its characteristic features:
- Democracy has a political and state character.
- This form of government involves the guarantee and actual manifestation of all civil rights.
- Compliance with the established laws, mutual responsibility of the state and people for infringement of the rights and freedoms of people.
As you can see, these signs are not inherent in some other forms of exercising power, for example, dictatorship.
Principles
Types of democracy are a very important issue not only for politicians, but also for ordinary people. However, it is no less interesting to learn about its principles:
- Recognition of the supreme power of the people, legal consolidation of sovereignty. That is, it is society that must be able to create laws, form a constitution, and choose representatives.
- Election of authorities. It is periodic. In addition, almost all types of democracy provide for the ability of the people to freely choose and re-elect government. A person who is a representative of the people does not have the right to usurp power or remain in his post longer than the appointed time.
- Each citizen can participate in the government of the country, regardless of his religion, social status or gender.
- The adoption and implementation of those decisions that were adopted by the majority.
- Political freedom which allows people to choose a suitable political system aimed at protecting their rights.
- Separation of powers. That is, each branch of government has a limited range of powers. Today, there is a judicial, executive and legislative branch.
- A variety of social phenomena is pluralism. It provides for a large number and free choice of political parties, public organizations that operate within the framework of the constitution.
The functions of democracy
Now we will understand what exactly the presented form of government should implement. So, there are such functions of democracy:
- Security. It provides for the security, dignity and honor of every citizen. It contributes to the preservation of human rights and freedoms from encroachment of third parties.
- Constituent. It provides for the formation of a state apparatus of government and local self-government through elections or competitive selection.
- Organizational and political. This function assumes people like source of power.
- Regulatory. It provides for the work of all subjects of a democratic society, which are required to combine their efforts and interests to preserve the freedoms and rights of citizens.
- Control. It provides oversight of the authorities, which must act within the scope of their authority and competence.
- Stimulating. It provides maximum support for the work of the state for the benefit of society. In this case, the opinion of the people must be taken into account. The activity of citizens in public life is encouraged.
This can only be ensured by democracy. The types and forms of this mode are discussed below.
Forms
So, there are only two of them:
- Direct or direct. It is characterized by the fact that all power is exercised by the people themselves, for example, there are such types of direct democracy as elections, referenda. This form has certain disadvantages. For example, it provides for taking into account the opinions of not only the majority, but also the minority, and this complicates the adoption of an agreed decision. Moreover, it is not always correct, since not all citizens are well aware of jurisprudence, legislation and other nuances of power. And there are also people who can skillfully manipulate public opinion in their favor.
- Indirect or representative. The function of leading the state is carried out by the selected central representatives, as well as by local authorities. There are also disadvantages here. For example, popular control can be weakened, the interests of certain groups are lobbied, and bureaucracy takes place.
As you see, the very concept of what democracy is, every citizen needs to know its types and forms. Any person has certain rights and freedoms that are protected by the state.
Types of democracy
Now we need to consider another important issue. There are such types of democracy:
- Constitutional. It combines not only democratic principles, but also some signs of liberalism.
- Conservative. It is characteristic of some countries in which long traditions play a significant role. This form of government is carried out in the UK.
- Anarchist. It is based on the populist halo that rulers create.
- Polyarchic. Its characteristic feature is the presence of a large number of political centers that can make decisions. That is, power is dispersed.
- Consensus. It is still being developed, but its main goal is to abandon the principle of the majority. Such a form of government should exist on mutual partnership, agreement, compromise.
Now you know what democracy is, the concept, types and forms of this regime.
