The values of democracy. Principles and signs of democracy

The concept of "democracy", literally meaning "the power of the people", originated in antiquity. To date, this is the most widespread political regime in the world. However, there is still no clear definition of democracy. Different specialists emphasize 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 notion of democracy

As already noted, historians do not have a common opinion on this matter. The meaning of the word "democracy" should be considered from several sides:

1. In the broadest sense, this term means a system of social order, which is based on the principle of voluntariness of all spheres of human life.
2. 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.
3. The essence of democracy can also be defined in the creation of an ideal social model that will be based on the principle of equality.
4. This concept can also mean a social movement, to which the programs of political parties call.

Democracy, its basic values and attributes 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, is distinguished by certain features. The foundations of democracy are as follows:

• The people should act as the sole 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 in any other way to realize the right to power.
• Ensuring human rights and citizenship. The values of democracy are that the rights of people are not simply proclaimed, but are implemented in practice.
• Any decisions are made by the majority, and the minority must obey them.
• The methods of persuasion, compromise, full refusal of violence, aggression, coercion come to the forefront.
• Democracy involves the implementation of the laws of the rule of law.

Basic principles of the power of the people

The main values of democracy include five points:

1. Freedom. This applies to all spheres of life. From preserving the people's ability to change the constitutional system to the realization of the rights of each person. Freedom of choice and speech are the fundamental principles of this political regime.
2. Equality of citizens. All people, regardless of sex, age, color, position, are equal before the law. There can be no restrictions and exceptions.
3. Electivity of representative bodies of power. The state must ensure their replaceability, and also guarantee the person the exercise of his suffrage.
4. The principle of separation of powers. The values of democracy will not make sense without this provision. In order to avoid the transformation of power into a means of suppressing human freedoms, there is a division into the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
5. Public 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, through which you can identify some of the basic institutions that are necessary to achieve real democracy.

The implementation of the regime depends, first of all, on the number of people and the size of the territory. Here, smaller administrative units look more preferable. In small groups it is easier to organize a discussion to solve a question. People more actively can have a direct impact on the policy of the country. On the other hand, large administrative units give more opportunities for discussion and problem solving. An excellent way out of this situation will be the delineation of administrative and public units at different levels.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Power of the People

Like other political regimes, democracy has its pros and cons. Advantages include the following:

• The values of democracy help to eradicate despotism and tyranny;
• Protects the interests of citizens;
• Authorities receive the most complete information from the public;
• Everyone has rights and duties, and the state guarantees their execution;
• Political decisions are made by the people, thereby implying moral responsibility;
• Only in the case of 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;
• Democratic countries are practically not at war with each other.

Now let's consider the disadvantages of this mode:

• Democracy, its basic values and attributes serve certain circles of society, allowing them to achieve their goals at the expense of other people.
• Perhaps the emergence of a majority dictatorship over the minority.
• The basis of this political regime is the freedom of human speech. People have many opinions, so there are differences that can undermine the authority of the authorities.
• All people in the country can make decisions, regardless of their competence and knowledge, which can adversely affect the final results.

Conclusion

The main values of democracy must be observed in every state with this political regime. It supports civil society. This means that the rights and freedoms of people living in the territory of the state are respected. Also, this regime, in comparison with others, creates a more stable environment in the country. Thus, we can say that for modern society, democracy is an ideal political device, because it retains freedom of speech and the principle of equality of people.