The concept of "democracy", literally meaning "power of the people", arose in antiquity. Today it is the most widespread political regime in the world. However, there is still no clear definition of democracy. Different experts focus on the individual components of this concept: the power of the majority, the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, equality, etc. What are the principles and values of democracy? What does this word mean? Let's try to understand this article.
The concept of democracy
As already noted, historians do not have a common opinion on this matter. The meaning of the word "democracy" must be considered from several angles:
- In the broadest sense, this term means a system of social organization, which is based on the principle of voluntariness in all spheres of human life.
- In a narrower sense, this concept is a political regime of states in which all citizens have equal rights, in contrast to the same authoritarianism or totalitarianism.
- The essence of democracy can also be defined in the creation of an ideal social model, which will be based onprinciple of equality.
- This concept can also mean a social movement called for by political party programs.
Democracy, its core values and features form the basis of the modern state, and therefore it is necessary to understand the meaning of this word.
Signs of democracy
Each state, regardless of the form of government and political regime, has certain characteristics. The foundations of democracy are as follows:
- The people should act as the only source of power in the state. It is expressed in the fact that every citizen of the country has the right to participate in the elections of representative bodies, organize referendums or exercise the right to power in any other way.
- Ensuring human and civil rights. The values of democracy are that people's rights are not just proclaimed, but implemented in practice.
- All decisions are made by the majority, and the minority must obey.
- Methods of persuasion, compromise, complete rejection of violence, aggression, coercion come to the fore.
- Democracy involves the implementation of the laws of the rule of law.
Basic principles of people power
The core values of democracy include five points:
- Freedom. This applies to all areas of life. From preserving the ability of the people to change the constitutional order to the realization of the rights of every person. Freedom of choice and speechare the founding principles of this political regime.
- Equality of citizens. All people, regardless of gender, age, skin color, official position, are equal before the law. There can be no limitations or exceptions here.
- The election of representative bodies of power. The state must ensure their turnover, as well as guarantee a person the exercise of his suffrage.
- The principle of separation of powers. The values of democracy will not make sense without this provision. In order to avoid turning power into a means of suppressing human freedoms, there is a division into the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
- Social and political pluralism. It involves a plurality of opinions and various associations, as well as parties. All this gives new opportunities for citizens to participate in the public and political life of the country.
Administrative units
The state needs certain institutions to implement this political regime. They are unique in their own way and are different for each country. There are several classifications that can be used to identify some of the basic institutions that are necessary to achieve true democracy.
The implementation of the regime depends primarily on the number of population and the size of the territory. Here, small administrative units look more preferable. In small groups, it is easier to organize a discussion to resolve an issue. People can be more activedirect impact on the country's politics. On the other hand, large administrative units provide more opportunities for discussion and problem solving. An excellent way out of this situation would be to distinguish between administrative and public units at different levels.
The advantages and disadvantages of the power of the people
Like other political regimes, democracy has its pros and cons. Benefits include:
- democracy values help eradicate despotism and tyranny;
- protecting the interests of citizens;
- authorities receive the most complete information from the population;
- every person has rights and obligations, and the state guarantees their fulfillment;
- political decisions are made by the people, thereby assuming moral responsibility;
- only in a democracy is political equality possible;
- according to statistics, countries with this political regime are richer and more successful, and their level of morality and human relations is much higher than in other states;
- democracies hardly ever go to war with each other.
Now consider the disadvantages of this mode:
- Democracy, its core values and attributes serve certain circles of society, allowing them to achieve their goals at the expense of other people.
- Possibly a dictatorship of the majority over the minority.
- The basis of this political regime is freedomman's words. People have many opinions, so there are disagreements that can undermine the authority of the authorities.
- All people in the country can make decisions, regardless of their competence and knowledge, which can negatively affect the final results.
Conclusion
The core values of democracy must be observed in every state with this political regime. She supports civil society. This means that the rights and freedoms of people living on the territory of the state are respected. Also, this regime, in comparison with others, creates a more stable situation in the country. Thus, we can say that for a modern society, democracy seems to be an ideal political system, because it preserves freedom of speech and the principle of equality of people.
