Types of party systems. The party system is

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:44

The party system is a series of certain parties and the relationship between them. Each developing country has its own political regime, which has been established for centuries. Today there are several types of party systems. Which of them is typical for modern Russia and why it happened so historically are questions that researchers are still looking for answers to.

Parties and party systems

A new political party is emerging in order to satisfy the interests of various social strata of the population. Their number is a reflection of the degree of economic and ideological heterogeneity of interests. The greater the degree of heterogeneity, the correspondingly more parties in the political system. Each of them satisfies the interests of a certain segment of the population. The position of parties in the political system, the nature of their interaction, as well as their type create a special configuration for each state, that is, the current party system. Each power has its own.

Types of party systems can be:

one party;
bipartisan;
multi-party.

One-party system

The main feature is the monopoly of one party in the state. The existence of a one-party system is possible under a totalitarian or authoritarian regime.

Such systems are usually divided into two more types. The first is a real one-party system, that is, there is really one party at the head of the state, which controls all spheres of activity. The second type is formally a multi-party system. Its essence lies in the fact that, despite the existence of several parties, all power belongs to only one, it is called the hegemon.

Party systems in Eastern Europe belonged to this type until 1990. Currently, it is characteristic of China, however, in addition to the ruling Communist Party, eight others are active.

Two-party system

The main feature is the constant competition of the two main political parties, their alternating rule. In such a system, the rest do not have significant political weight. This means that practically all parliamentary seats go to the deputies of the two parties that gain the most votes. In a two-party system, it is impossible to create a coalition, because each party in itself represents one. The main representatives are the English-speaking countries - the US and the UK.

2, 5 party system

This type is notis officially recognized because it is extremely rare, but from a theoretical point of view, it is worth remembering about it. It is somewhere between a two-party system and a multi-party system. It manifests itself in the event that none of the two competing parties can get the required number of votes, for example, one is gaining 43%, and the other - 47%. It takes 50% plus one vote to form a government.

In this case, the missing percentages are taken from an insignificant party, which can use them to acquire significant power.

Multi-party system

The main difference is the competition of several parties at once. In accordance with their number, party systems of moderate (3-5) and extreme (6 or more) pluralism are distinguished. But at the same time, none of them is independently in power. To do this, several parties are united in coalitions. This is necessary for intra-parliamentary work and government in general. The party system of modern Russia belongs to this type.

Varieties of the multi-party system

Depending on the functioning of parties, there are several types.

Multi-party system without a dominant party. With this type, none of the parties has an absolute majority. During the formation of the government, several parties unite in alliances and coalitions.
Multi-party system with a dominant party. Accordingly, one party (or an alliance is possible) is the leader in the political arena.
Bloc multi-party system. This type is reminiscent of bipartismdue to the fact that parties unite in blocs that compete with each other.

Typology of party systems

In the course of historical development, one party was formed in one state, two in another, and three or more in a third. Depending on the class composition of the population, historical traditions, conditions, political culture, national composition, one or another party system has developed. This is due to many factors that influence the policy of the state.

The parties, driven into the framework of one society, constantly interact with each other, not fencing themselves off from each other. They make government decisions and influence society.

A number of these parties, their character, relations with each other, interaction with the state or other political institutions is the political system.

Types of party systems are not determined in a purely arithmetical way, that is, one-party - one party, two-party - two, multi-party - many. Here, a combination of certain features should also be taken into account. The qualification of political systems consists of three main indicators:

number of parties;
presence or absence of a dominant party, coalition;
Level of competition between parties.

Party political systems

Each power has a certain regime. The policy of the state has been formed over many centuries. The party system is a holistic concept of the relationship between parties, their blocs and unions,interaction among themselves, cooperation or, conversely, rivalry in the exercise of power.

Today, in different states, there are a huge number of parties that satisfy the interests of all cells of society. Therefore, such diversity allows any person to make his choice at the polling station.

Parties and party systems are formed as a result of their interaction and position in the political arena. The type of parties themselves is also important. The current legislation, the constitution and electoral laws have a great impact. Each state has its own party system. It is an integral part of any state. Only the types of these systems and the nature of the parties differ.

There are several factors that influence the formation of the political system of the state. These include:

political maturity of society;
level of political consciousness;
national composition;
religious views of society;
cultural aspect;
historical traditions;
staging social and class forces.

Modern party systems of this or that state are the result of centuries of formation and historical development.

Functions of parties

It is impossible to find a middle ground in the political arena, so the population needs several options among which they can make their choice. In this regard, today there is a huge number of unions, blocs andassociations.

Depending on the necessary components of the social and political life of modern society, parties perform certain functions.

The first and most basic should include representative. It expresses the interests of certain groups of society. In some countries, several political parties are oriented towards the same segments of the population.

The second function is socializing. Its essence is to involve part of the population in the number of its members or simply supporters.

Researchers refer the communicative function to the third one. Its task is to maintain stable relations with voters, the public, other political institutions, the ruling organization, and competitors. The party organization should be guided by public opinion, so this function is extremely important.

The fourth is ideological. This includes propaganda. PR, advertising, election campaign, development of a winning political platform.

And the fifth function is organizational and political. An important component is the selection of people, the nomination of personnel for elections, providing them with appropriate working conditions and their subsequent participation in the struggle for power.

The situation in Russia

The party system of modern Russia began its formation at the end of the nineteenth century. Since then, many new alliances have appeared on the arena, but those that have been established and developed have remained.along with history.

The party system in Russia is multi-party. However, theoretical researchers are convinced that its multi-party system is amorphous and unstable. On the same level as well-known and fairly popular parties, new ones appear before the elections, and then immediately disappear. There are many blocks whose programs do not differ from each other. Because of this, the electorate is crumbling, making the wrong choice.

However, thanks to the Constitution and current legislation, the Russian Federation is gradually moving away from this trend. So, in the elections to the State Duma in 1995, as many as 43 political associations were registered. In 1999 there were already 26, and in 2003 even fewer - 22 parties. Every year this number decreases.

The party system in Russia is controlled by law, the main requirements are set out in the Law "On Political Parties". Thanks to this, improvements in the system are noticed.

According to the law, each party must have at least 50 thousand people, it must have regional organizations in at least 50 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, each of which must have 100 members. They also increased the barrier to entry into the State Duma. Previously, parties needed 5% of the votes of the electorate, now they need at least 7%.