Citizens participate in the political life of the country through. Forms of participation of citizens in politics

Topic 6. Participation of citizens in political life

(paragraph 6)

Elections

Elections it is the procedure for electing someone by voting.

Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to participate in the management of state affairs, both directly and through their representatives.

Governance of the state requires high professionalism, so citizens entrust this work to their representatives in the legislature. Citizens have the right to decide who exactly will represent their interests in the process of legislative activity.They make this decision in elections (representative democracy).

Basic principles of electoral law in the Russian Federation:

Universal suffrage -this means that it belongs to all citizens who have reached the age of 18, regardless of their social status, gender, nationality, religion, education, place of residence. The exception is persons held in places of deprivation of liberty by a court verdict, as well as persons recognized by a court as incompetent, i.e. incapable of their mental, mental state to fully exercise their rights

Equal suffrageEach voter has only one vote.

Direct elections The President, deputies of the State Duma and legislative bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are directly elected by citizens. In the practice of other countries, there are multi-stage elections, when citizens elect electors, and then the electors elect the President. The President of the Russian Federation is elected for a term of 6 years, the State Duma for a term of 5 years

Every citizen, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, has the right to be elected to state authorities and local self-government bodies. An exception is established for those persons who cannot participate in elections. This takes into account the age limit (restriction):

From the age of 21 - to be elected a deputy of the State Duma

From the age of 35, as well as residence in the Russian Federation for at least 10 years (residency requirement) to be elected President of the Russian Federation.

There are two main types of electoral systems: majoritarian and proportional.

proportional systemdetermines the rating of political forces, in proportion to which seats in parliament are distributed between these forces. Under such a system, voters do not vote for an individual candidate, but for a party, which, depending on the total number of votes received, distributes seats in parliament according to the party list. For example, the party won 35% of the votes of all those who voted, respectively, in parliament it holds 35% of the seats.

Majoritarian systemassumes that voters do not vote for parties, but for specific candidates. Under such a system, a candidate who has received majority . There are also mixed systems.

Referendum

Citizens take direct part in the management of state affairs at a referendum.

Referendum - This is a popular vote on draft laws and other issues of national importance. For example, the current Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted at a referendum in 1993. When holding a referendum, the same principles apply as in the election of deputies.

The main difference between a referendum and an election is that a referendum approves or disapproves of a decision, and does not vote for candidates applying for certain positions or parties. Questions submitted to a referendum must be worded in such a way that a clear yes or no answer can be given.

In the Russian Federation, a referendum cannot be held simultaneously with elections, or in a state of emergency or martial law. A referendum is not held in the last year of the powers of the President of the Russian Federation, the State Duma, as well as during an election campaign held simultaneously throughout the territory.

Elections and referendums are the most massive form of citizens' participation in political life.

Other forms of citizen participation in political life:

The right to equal access to public service. Public service is a professional activity to ensure the execution of the powers of state bodies. In the public service are officials (civil servants) holding positions in central and local authorities, in the judiciary, etc.

According to the Constitution, citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to equal access to public service. This means that every citizen can hold any public position without restrictions depending on race, nationality, gender, social origin, property status, place of residence, attitude to religion, beliefs, membership in public associations. This does not mean that any citizen who wishes can work, for example, in a ministry, regional administration, etc. There is a system of competitions: requirements for professional training, a certain procedure for appointment to public positions.

Russian citizens also have the right to participate inadministration of justice. This right can be exercised by holding positions in the court, with the appropriate education and work experience, as well as by participating in justice as a juror.

- appeal to the authoritiesThis is the right to apply personally, as well as to send collective appeals to state bodies and local governments. It could beindividual treatmentfor financial assistance, and a complaint, those. the appeal of a citizen with a demand for the restoration of a right violated by the action or inaction of individuals, organizations, state or self-government bodies. It could be statement , i.e. an appeal of a citizen with a request to exercise his right (for example, to receive a pension). It could also be sentence , i.e. a type of appeal that is not associated with a violation of the rights of citizens, but which raises the question of improving the activities of a state body.

The laws of the Russian Federation establish deadlines for resolving issues raised in citizens' appeals.

- participation in meetings, rallies and demonstrationsis also one of the ways to influence the authorities. Citizens can meet to discuss any issues of common interest to them. A mass meeting about topical issues is called rallies . They often gather at rallies to protest against government policy, the actions of any political forces. The law allows only such gatherings that are peaceful and do not threaten violent actions against other citizens.

In different countries, there is either a notification or permissive procedure for holding rallies and demonstrations, strikes. In the Russian Federation, there is a permissive procedure, i.e. the organizers of the protest rally send an application to the local authority in advance, which gives permission to hold this rally. In case of violation of this order, the police have the right to use force against the participants of the rally using special means (rubber truncheons, water cannons, tear gases).

freedom of speech

In the Russian Federation, there is a right to freedom of speech, for the real exercise of this right publicity is necessary: ​​people should be able to receive truthful and complete information about the work of government bodies, about the situation in the country, in the international arena. This requires such a condition as the abolition of censorship. Censorship - this is a special viewing of newspapers and magazines, literary works, films, texts of radio programs and television programs intended for release. The censor could prohibit access to any information. Now there is no censorship. But freedom of speech and the press is not absolute. The law prohibits: propaganda of war and violence, inciting racial, national or religious hatred, slander, dissemination of false information. Thus, the use of freedom of speech imposes a special responsibility.

Most likely, everyone has already understood that the world is sliding into a zone of “global turbulence”. This is the time when the future of countries and humanity as a whole is not determined, and therefore depends on the position of each individual person. How can people express their opinion? This is where it should be remembered that this is done through the participation of a citizen in only not everyone in our country and in other states has the necessary minimum information on this issue. We are not particularly interested in such abstract topics when everything is stable. And as the crisis looms on the horizon, we are lost in conjecture, trying to figure out exactly how we can influence it. Is it only to rely on the rulers? Or is it possible to get involved in the common work to overcome it? Let's take a look at our rights and responsibilities.

What will be discussed?

It is proposed to consider the expression "participation of a citizen in political life", defining its semantic load. It has two interrelated concepts. They cannot exist separately and cover the described process comprehensively. Specifically, we single out two terms: “citizen” and “politics”. The first describes a person who has certain rights. The second is the process of their implementation in the sphere of state administration. It turns out that we are exploring a system that allows each person to influence events in his country according to his own convictions. Say it's impossible? However, one should first study the laws, then only draw conclusions.

Your vote is decisive

We will try to understand where the legal leverage is laid down, allowing each person to influence the overall situation. Let's start with the fact that the participation of a citizen in political life is a rather "bureaucratic" process. It is laid out on the shelves in the constitution of any. In addition, there are also a number of laws and other acts detailing this process. Yes, you yourself, most likely, have already taken part in it, but you did not qualify it as the participation of a citizen in political life. If you have already reached the age of majority, then you went to vote (or had the opportunity to do so). You were given information about the various parties wishing to gain power, explained, invited to ask questions, and so on. Maybe you did not pay any attention to these events, but a citizen participates in the political life of his state in this form (but not only). Through the system of elections, his right to take part in the government of the country is realized.

Let's move on to practice

The participation of citizens in politics is not limited to plebiscites. After all, voting is already the result of a rather long process. It is preceded by a political struggle. Namely, those parties that wish to direct the development of the country and society are trying to attract as many citizens as possible to their side. To do this, they explain their views and goals. They try to involve as many citizens as possible in this work so that they exercise their right to freedom of opinion. At this time, any person can choose the power that most fully reflects his own position. Of course, some people think that it is better to stand up for your beliefs alone. However, in a democratic society, a more rational mechanism has been devised, based on a long-standing principle: "Together we are strong!" That is why political parties are formed. They are the spokesman for the aspirations and hopes of certain groups and strata of the population.

About political parties

Now we come to the other side of the citizen's participation in government. Anyone can become a member of a political force according to their beliefs. And when he is twenty-one years old, to be elected to one or another And this is a completely different level of participation in political life. Work in a self-government body allows you to directly influence decision-making. After all, laws are made in them. Here it is worth saying that a deputy of any level does not vote "according to his own understanding." He is the voice of his constituents. This means that when voting, he is obliged to proceed from the interests of the latter. This is the second level, so to speak, of citizens to participate in the first - participation in the choice of a political force, the second - it acts in its interests.

Is everything so simple?

Actually not really. The fact is that the process of governing the country is quite complicated. You can, of course, “hack with a sword” and declare the most popular ideas among the people. And when it comes to putting them into practice, deputies and parties invariably run into obstacles and barriers. On the one hand, they have an opposition, a political force that expresses the interests of other groups of the population, sometimes of a confrontational nature. It is necessary to negotiate with them, to find a consensus. But there is also legislation, that is, the accepted “rules of the game”. You can't jump over them. For example, many are dissatisfied with high tariffs for utilities. To reduce them, it is necessary to change many laws, the first of which will be the budget for the current year. And besides it, there are other acts of a federal and local character. The work is difficult and long.

Whether to go to the deputies?

Of course, a person with an active civic position wants to more closely influence the life of society. Many aspire to be elected to one body or another. Is it only for everyone to bear such a responsibility? The person on whom the well-being of the country and the entire population depends must have a large stock of knowledge. He also needs experience, the ability to analyze facts, to perceive information deeply and voluminously. Of course, a large number of specialists work on any legislative act. Ultimately, the one who voted is responsible for its implementation. Therefore, it is necessary that these people be comprehensively educated, wise, far-sighted. So it turns out that a citizen participates in politics when he carefully looks at who he is going to vote for.

Participation in peaceful assemblies

Dealt with officialdom. But the political life does not end there. After all, besides elections, there are other forms of expression by the people of their opinion. Thus, the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This means that people can express their opinion through rallies, demonstrations or other actions held in public places. The exercise of this right is governed by its own laws that describe the methodology for organizing such events. That is, they cannot be spontaneous. Would you like to commemorate? You are welcome to the local government with a statement indicating the goals, organizers and the approximate number of participants. This is no discrimination. Local authorities are responsible for the lives of citizens. She is obliged to ensure the safety of order during the action. Although there are exceptions. One person can hold a picket without approval.

About responsibility

This is the most important on the one hand and the least popular on the other hand.

Our people love to look for someone to blame. However, a citizen in politics has not only rights, but also duties. He is required to exercise his rights thoughtfully and carefully. And then we vote for the one whom they "prompt", and then we grab our heads from what is happening in the country. And more often than not, we skip elections or rallies. Everyone has his own affairs, more important from his point of view, there are. We remember that we are also citizens, and not just people, when we need something from the authorities. And also - when prices rise or another "trouble" develops before our eyes. But after all, you had the right to influence the formation of this very power! Did they use it? Now ask yourself why the “wrong” people run the country.

Forms of participation of citizens in politics

The life system of mankind is arranged in such a way that there is always power that influences and controls a certain mass of people: whether it is power in a separate country, in a family, or, say, in a criminal group. But even despite the fact that the influence of power is seen as an undeniable and self-sufficient factor, the influence of community on power cannot be denied. Of course, the strength of this reverse influence depends, for the most part, on the regime, the political regime, if we are talking about it on a country or state scale.

For example, under a democratic form of government, theoretically, citizens are given a great opportunity to influence the authorities. The political participation assumed for a democratic society is universal, equal, initiative. Each individual citizen has the right to participate in the life of the country, to protect their interests, to express their dissatisfaction with any factors, theoretically choose their own “power”, or simply show interest in politics as an area of ​​accessible activity. Political participation in a democratic society is free and acts as a means for citizens to express a sense of duty to the country, a means to achieve their goals, to realize the need for self-expression. Such participation is provided by the state in terms of providing various legal norms and procedures and an even distribution of participation resources, such as money, access to the media, education, a “transparent” vision of the exercise of power itself, and so on. Also, a democratic society allows, within certain limits, such an expression of protest of citizens as rallies, demonstrations, strikes, petitions. Such events serve both as a tool for political education of citizens and proof, in fact, that the state is truly democratic and every citizen has the right to self-expression.

Under a totalitarian system, everything and everything is under the complete control of state bodies. And the authorities are striving for the mobilization involvement of the population in political participation, creating the appearance of general politicization, which, of course, practically does not take into account the opinion of citizens. Under this regime, the influence of the community on power is minimally limited, and often just nominally. Accordingly, the political participation of citizens is conditioned purely by the needs of the authorities, and is most of all a means of controlling the subject mass. Of course, such a regime, although tough and repressing dissenting opinions in every possible way, has the best chance of such a powerful political participation of discontented and disenfranchised citizens as riots and revolutions. And, more than democratic, it has the ability to forcibly change its regime policy to the opposite. The totalitarian regime is usually inherent in underdeveloped countries, as it is rather a relic of the past than an adequate form of relations between people and power. The exception is, for example, Japan, as an example of the Asian type of government, which is a highly developed culture and, it seems, should be a completely democratic society with all signs of free political participation of citizens. However, centuries-old traditions have played their role and most of the citizens of this country live quietly under a totalitarian regime that has become so familiar that it seems almost democratic and does not cause significant complaints from the population itself.

In principle, democracy is rightfully a sign of a progressive society and, in essence, is more stable than totalitarianism in terms of the stability of one-time power. Repressed discontent is always dangerous, and a friend is always easier to control than an enemy. Therefore, in a democratic society, the authorities try to maintain the image of a friendly essence, providing citizens with preferably evenly distributed means of subsistence, opportunities for self-realization and self-development, freedom of expression in any field of activity, and expressing concern for health and attention to problems. This ensures maximum consideration of the interests of citizens, helps to overcome distrust in the authorities and ensures the political participation of a large number of citizens in the life of society. Which, in turn, expands the intellectual potential for decision-making, which contributes to the optimization of the work of the structure, increases its efficiency and the stability of the political system. The participation of citizens in politics also ensures effective control over officials and prevents abuse of power.

The most effective factor in stimulating citizens for political participation is socioeconomic status, primarily determined by the level of education, profession and income. Undoubtedly, a high level of material comfort is decisive in terms of a favorable attitude towards the political system. Accordingly, the lower the social position, the more likely becomes a negative attitude towards the system.

At the same time, factors such as gender and age also influence. For example, it is well known that the activity of a citizen increases towards the middle of life, and then declines again. Women are less inclined to political participation, which, however, is due to the structure of the traditional order. As is known, in principle, the patriarchal system is more developed in the world and there are certain stereotypes and ideas about the social role of women, sometimes that do not take into account the changes associated with the progress of society, despite a significant increase in the educational level. In addition, most often women, especially with low living standards, simply do not have time to participate in politics. The traditional definition of a man as a leader, and a woman as a wife and mother, forces women to devote most of their lives not to their own interests, but to the interests of their family and children, practically losing their personal potential.

This, however, is somewhat of a digression. In addition to all of the above, an important role is also played by the motivation of a citizen to participate in the activities of the country. The most common motives are:

The motive of interest and attractiveness of politics as a field of activity;

The motive is cognitive, where the political system acts as a means for knowing the world around and, also, taking into account the complexity of this system for understanding, as an increase in one's own status in the eyes of oneself and others;

The motive of power, the desire to control other people;

The motive is monetary, since political activity is a highly paid activity;

The motive is traditional when the policy is adopted in the circle of family or friends;

The motive is ideological, when the system of life values ​​coincides with the ideological values ​​of the political system;

The motives are false, but forming the desired reaction among the masses, the so-called propaganda.

Different motives encourage different types of political participation. In any political system, with the dominant of one, there are various signs of the opposite, regardless of the political system.

Usually, two main types are distinguished among these options: autonomous and mobilization participation.

Autonomous participation is a free voluntary activity of an individual, caused by his desire to participate in the political life of the country, pursuing personal and group interests.

Mobilization participation, on the other hand, is coercive. It is stimulated by factors such as fear, coercion, tradition. As a rule, this type of participation is an initiative of the ruling group and is aimed at supporting its political system, at demonstrating its noble goals and positive attitude towards the people. Naturally, this kind of participation in no way provides for the expression of the personal opinion of an individual or a group, however, it often creates a false, but necessary idea of ​​the authorities about the situation in the country.

It is also customary to single out active and passive forms of citizens' participation in politics, each of which can be classified as acceptable or unacceptable in terms of morality or law. In terms of active forms of participation, there are several divisions.

Participation in elected bodies, such as presidential elections;

Mass actions, such as rallies, demonstrations, strikes, in which the masses are coordinated, dissatisfied with any action of the government, such as the strikes of workers of the Continental plant now in Paris, who demand to reconsider the decision to close an enterprise located in the suburbs of the French capital ;

Single actions, however, are notable enough to carry political weight. As, for example, the Iraqi journalist, who threw a shoe at George Bush, expressed his political participation in an interesting way, expressing his opinion in an extraordinary way about the policy pursued by America towards his country;

Participation in political parties and organizations, participation in the government of the country, in the adoption of laws;

Participation of citizens in polls that take into account the opinion of citizens and, in theory, are considered in the context of any changes;

Appeals and complaints to higher structures of individuals or groups of citizens;

Lobbying activity is the political promotion of an object, whether it be a law or a deputy, using either personal or monetary interest, or when it is impossible to refuse an offer. In the context of this activity, both legal and illegal, such as a bribe, types of achieving goals can be considered;

Network participation is no longer a new kind of political participation. Numerous blogs, electronic newspapers, and other Internet resources. In particular, on personal experience, a type of political participation was observed on one of the sites, in the process of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, while at the government level the lower masses were prescribed negative in the direction of the “enemy”, on this resource people were discussing this topic with might and main, which with the one on the other side, and at the same time, calls for friendship between peoples and independence of interethnic relations from government strife sounded the loudest.

If we talk about passive forms of participation, then it is worth noting here:

Social apathy as a factor of citizens' distrust of the government and, accordingly, all kinds of non-participation in elections;

Ignoring social events, such as subbotniks, rallies and demonstrations, when invited or strongly recommended to come to them;

Not doing something, caused by dissatisfaction with some actions of the government. For example, a small payment provided to an individual, which he considers offensive to himself and does not go to receive it, they say, no thanks, no need.

In conclusion, I would like to add once again that with the development of society, the importance of citizens' participation in the life of the community increases. This is also evidenced by the funds allocated by political movements, parties, states for sponsoring the forms of participation of citizens in politics that are necessary for their purposes (elections, demonstrations, protest actions). The more democratic the society becomes, the more the role of the value of society in its life increases. And a correct understanding of this meaning allows the state to make society a necessary and obedient lever of its activity, and in return allows society, which is aware of its importance, to receive the greatest benefit and the best result from power.

Included in political life through various forms of political participation), it is necessary not only to implement network policy by public authorities and political parties, but also to ubiquitous computer networks, as well as to effectively counter political problems arising from the informatization of society. It is already becoming clear today that...

... the states of the world do not call into question the recognition by them, as well as by the international community as a whole (UN), of the status of an individual, of any person as a source of power, the primary and main subject of politics. To guarantee such a status of the individual, to ensure the real or potential transformation of every citizen into a conscious and free subject (subject-participant) of politics and ...

Systems. Russia is characterized by a certain heterogeneity, a plurality of subcultures with various conflicting and often opposing attitudes, values, and orientations. In addition, Russian political culture is characterized by conflicts not only of interests, attitudes, orientations, but also of fundamental values. Therefore, the reorganization of Russia, especially the transition to democracy, is unthinkable...

When assessing political stability in the country, it is necessary to take into account, on the one hand, the effectiveness and reliability of the mechanisms for the reproduction of the political system, and on the other hand, the democratic content of the development of political processes. Political stability usually characterizes the sustainable, progressive development of society in accordance with the historical and civilizational patterns of its ...

The mechanisms for the participation of citizens and their associations (political parties, fronts and movements, foundations and voluntary associations, etc.) in political life include political institutions and institutions that ensure the representation and protection of their interests in the highest legislative, judicial and executive bodies of the country. Examples include suffrage and voting, nomination of candidates and voting, the organization of political parties and associations, the institution of representation (tribunes of the people in antiquity and people's deputies today), the institution of citizenship, the activities of the media, etc.

Elective system is called upon to ensure popular sovereignty and the representation of all interested groups and sections of the population in the system of power through parties. The role of the spokesman of popular sovereignty is assigned only to the electoral corps. Elections, in fact, are one of the leading institutions of legitimization (legitimization) of the existing political system and political regime. The act of participating in elections in itself increases the citizens' faith in the legitimacy and accountability of the government. Given this fact, in industrialized countries, much attention is paid to preparing the younger generation to participate in the political and especially in the electoral process. A large role is given to the education system, as well as to various mechanisms - from official celebrations of national holidays to events of patriotic organizations. Electoral campaigns in themselves provide opportunities to promote the virtues of voting.

The role of the institution of general elections cannot be overestimated. By electing this or that party, this or that deputy, the people express their needs, aspirations, interests, complaints in the most peaceful and constitutional way, without resorting to rebellion or exile, revolution.

Of course, the elected government, the State Duma and the elected president are under very weak control of the people. This is both bad and good. It's good because the need to "work out" the people's trust, to build a policy only in accordance with the promises made earlier or only at the behest of the voters - would greatly fetter the hands of the authorities. Rulers who are responsible to the people are one thing, but rulers who are dependent and indulgent to the people are quite another. This is how N. Machiavelli argued in his time.

In foreign countries, the relative ease with which the incumbent government can be replaced reduces the severity of possible demands for change in the political regime itself and its institutions. This is due to the fact that the institution of general elections is one of the important elements of the modern political system. Without resorting to revolutionary violence, but using modern mechanisms of political participation, the people are still able to impose their will on the authorities.

If the institution of elections had not established itself as the most effective tool for the political stabilization of society, then many countries would most likely have abandoned it. But now in the vast majority of countries there is a universal suffrage.

Under suffrage two phenomena are understood: 1) a set of legal norms that establish the procedure for electing the head of state, representative bodies, etc.; 2) the right of a citizen to participate in elections, to elect (active suffrage) and to be elected (passive suffrage). The right to vote is usually regulated by the constitution and special laws on elections, which determine the procedure for nominating candidates, the norms of representation, the procedure for determining the results of voting, etc. The right to vote gives people powerful channels of influence on political decision-making. However, this was not always the case.

In ancient Greece, slaves, foreigners, women and the poor were deprived of the right to vote. In ancient Rome, for a long time, the plebeians, the predominant mass of the free (i.e., not enslaved) population, were not allowed to vote. The property qualification limited the electoral rights of citizens not only in antiquity, but also in modern times. Poor white men were not allowed to vote in the 19th century. in advanced countries such as the USA and England.

Under the US Constitution of 1787, thousands of black slaves were deprived of civil and human rights. It was not until 1870 that the 15th Amendment to the Constitution was adopted, granting the right to vote to blacks. However, after the withdrawal of federal troops from the South in 1877, the Negroes were practically deprived of the opportunity to vote. It was not until the 1920s that the Negroes began to achieve some success in expanding the right to participate in elections. Of great importance were the laws of the 50-70s of the 20th century, which removed restrictions on the participation of blacks in the electoral process. In South Africa, blacks were admitted to them only in the mid-90s.

American women did not have the right to vote until 1920. In the Netherlands, for example, in 1800 the electorate included only 12% of the adult population, by 1890 this figure had risen to 27%, in 1900 to 63%. Here, the universal right to vote was introduced for men in 1917, and for women - in 1919. In England, this happened a little later - in 1928. Women received the right to vote in France in 1944, in Italy - in 1945. , in Greece - in 1956. In Switzerland, this symbol of civilization and stability, women were first admitted to the ballot box only in 1971.

In most countries, the process and procedures for election campaigns regulated by legislation. For example, Japan's very strict suffrage law prohibits making gifts to voters, attracting them with the promise of promotion, going around voters' houses for the purpose of election campaigning, etc. In Germany, it is forbidden to publish the results of public opinion polls two weeks before the election, and in England - on election day. The use of mass media, especially television and radio, is sufficiently regulated. Thus, the general period of time allotted to the media for conducting election campaigns, the principles of its distribution between parties and candidates are established by law, a schedule is drawn up, in accordance with which the total time is divided into days of the election campaign.

Vote- one of the most important forms of participation of citizens in the political life of the country. Along with it, there are others, in particular, organizing and participating in political and social movements, applying to parliament and local legislative bodies with proposals and projects, participating in meetings and rallies, campaigning for a particular party, working as a party functionary, membership in a political club or organization, monetary donations to the party.

The voting procedure in all countries is approximately the same. It includes the following main elements: 1) registration in the list of voters at the place of residence, 2) secret voting in a special booth, 3) the use of the same list of candidates for all constituencies, 4) the presence of third-party observers in the elections to control the correctness of the voting procedure, 5) counting of ballots by a specially created commission, 6) official publication of voting results.

Elections suggest that citizens in the voting process are offered two or more candidates, from among whom they can choose one by free will. In most countries, elections are held on an alternative basis, that is, voters are given the opportunity to choose one candidate from many. Elections may be held in one or two rounds. If none of the several candidates receives more than half of the votes, a second round is organized. Elections are a game between a candidate and a voter, the rules of which are determined by democratic procedure.

In modern conditions, for the majority of the population, the main, and often the only form of participation in politics is participation in the electoral process. General elections make it possible to reveal the alignment of political forces in the country as a whole, in a separate region, state, land, at the municipal level, in an electoral district, to determine the degree of voters' confidence in a particular party, its specific leaders, candidates, program settings, etc. They allow voters to make a thoughtful, informed choice in favor of the party and program that, in their opinion, best suits their positions and interests.

Three major principles underlie the regulation of election campaigns:

1. Ensuring equality of opportunity for all parties and candidates running in elections.

2. The requirement of loyalty, according to which candidates are required to behave respectfully towards their opponents.

3. The duty of non-interference of the state apparatus in the course of the election campaign.

The essence of the first condition is that all candidates in the elections are given the same maximum amount of campaign spending. At the same time, the amount of donations of individuals and organizations to the funds of election campaigns is limited. At the same time, the state in many campaigns. For example, in Russia it provides 30% of free airtime for election campaigning. At the same time, all parties and candidates are guaranteed the same time for speeches on radio and television.

Although pre-election etiquette does not allow any kind of falsification, insulting the enemy, humiliating his honor and dignity, etc., in Russia, since 1992, the so-called “compromising war” has been constantly growing. In the course of this struggle, opponents issued negative and compromising information on practically every candidate and political party through the media, some of which turned out to be fabricated. This happens not only with us. If someone in the United States decides to vilely slander a neighbor, then in the event of a trial, this can be very expensive.

Another thing is the election campaign. Slander of candidates is not punishable! These are the rules of the game. It is not surprising that the candidates, irritated by complete impunity, "bath each other in the mud." Each state of the country has its own customs and traditions. If in the north, where immigrants from Scandinavia predominate, people and thoughts do not allow for the possibility of any fraud in elections, then in the south, the people, on the contrary, sincerely wonder how voting can take place without this. At the end of the 20th century in the United States, voters are forced to fill out questionnaires that indicate height, weight, eye and hair color. This is done so that there is no change. Each ballot paper and its stub has its own number - like on the dollar.

In the election campaign, not only traditional posters, stickers, badges are used, but sometimes the most unusual items. For example, in the US, one of the candidates used ... fly swatters that were given to voters. Clapping flies - and the name of the candidate on the handle flashes before your eyes. Don't forget to remember it!

The state structure and political life in a society largely determines the way in which the population expresses its will on key issues. One of them is the institution of the referendum. Referendum- the form of adoption of laws or the decision of the most important issues of state life by universal suffrage. This is one of the forms of direct democracy. The referendum provides for the solution of the most important issues for society through a popular vote, the results of which have the highest legal status and are binding on all state bodies.

The referendum is used as a legislative mechanism by most of the world's democracies.

One of the main functions of the electoral system is to institutionalize the political participation of citizens, replacing spontaneous, spontaneous, unorganized and often illegal (riot, uprising, etc.) forms of political action with legal, legal and legitimate ones.

Every citizen can influence the political process in his country. This requires such factors as the culture of democracy and the political consciousness of the individual.

Participation of citizens in political life

It is the direct participation of citizens in the political life of the state that is an important basis for the formation of political processes.

Often, civil political life is unstable, in different periods it has different dynamics. This is due to the fact that various segments of the population take part in it.

Such social differentiation gives rise to the activities of various socio-political forces, in particular political parties and organizations.

Political process

The political process is a system of political states and events, changes in which occur due to the activity and interaction of individual subjects of political life.

A striking example is the change of political parties and leaders who alternately come to power. According to the scale of action, political processes are divided into two main types: foreign policy and domestic policy.

Domestic political processes can take place both at the national and regional levels.

Political participation

Political participation is the actions of a citizen, the main purpose of which is to gain the opportunity to influence the implementation and adoption of state decisions, as well as the choice of representatives in state institutions of power. This concept characterizes the degree of involvement of citizens in the political process.

In a state of law, political participation is the right of a citizen to elect and be elected to government bodies, the right to associate in public organizations, the right to demonstrations and rallies, the right of access to public services and officials, the right to freely apply to state bodies.

Political culture

Political culture is a concept that consists of three components: the diverse political views of a citizen, orientation towards the spiritual values ​​of a democratic society, and the possession by society of the right to political influence.

Political knowledge is a system of knowledge about political ideologies, forms of state, institutions of power, as well as methods for implementing their functions. Political culture cannot exist without certain political knowledge.

Political knowledge generates the next stage of legal culture - spiritual orientation society. Each member of society decides what kind of government or political ideology suits his worldview.

A citizen who has a spiritual orientation based on political knowledge can actively and freely participate in the political process.