Forms of participation of citizens in politics. Forms of participation of the population in the political life of society

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.

Let's say at democratic form government, theoretically, citizens are granted great opportunity influence on power. 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 a field 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 uniform distribution participation resources, such as money, access to the media, education, a "transparent" vision of the exercise of, in fact, power, 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 totalitarian regime, which 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.

Most effective factor stimulation of citizens for political participation is socio-economic status, primarily determined by the level of education, profession and income. Undoubtedly, high level 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 you know, 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 makes women most to devote his life not to his own interests, but to the interests of his family and children, practically losing his 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 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.

Various motives lead to different options political participation. In any political system, with the dominant of one, there are various signs and 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, an Iraqi journalist who threw a shoe at George W. 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 surveys 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 is 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, not too much anymore the new kind political participation. Numerous blogs, electronic newspapers, and other Internet resources. In particular, on personal experience there was a kind of political participation on one of the sites, in the process of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, while at the governmental 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, both from the other side , and at the same time, calls for friendship between peoples and independence sounded the loudest. interethnic relations from government conflicts.

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, protests). 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 the society a necessary and obedient lever of its activity, and in return allows the society, which is aware of its significance, to receive the greatest benefit and the best result from the authorities.

Incorporated into political life through various forms political participation), it is necessary not only to implement the network policy by public authorities and political parties, but also to disseminate computer networks, as well as effective counteraction to 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 a person, 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 the 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 ...

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"THOUGHTS OF THE WISE

"There is a minimum level of education and awareness beyond which every vote becomes its own caricature."
I. A. Ilyin (1882-1954). Russian philosopher

24. " Citizen participation in political life

Can an ordinary citizen influence the political process? Why is a culture of democracy needed? What are the ways of political self-improvement of the individual?

Political life is dynamic and changeable. It involves people, social groups, ruling elites with their hopes, expectations, level of culture and education. Here intertwined and fought interests of various social political forces. The interaction of political subjects on the issues of conquest, retention and use of state power gives rise to political processes in society.

What is the political process?

THE ESSENCE OF THE POLITICAL PROCESS

In the very general view political process - this is a chain of political events and states that change as a result of the interaction of specific subjects of politics. For example, political leaders and governments are being replaced by others. The composition of the parliament is being updated, some parties disappear from the political scene, others appear. The state of stability is replaced by increased tension in society, new situations arise, each of which is peculiar and unique.

Our life is, as it were, woven from separate political processes: large and small, random and regular. Political scientists classify them in different ways. So, in terms of scale, they stand out domestic political and foreign policy (international) processes. Domestic political processes can develop at the national (national), regional, local levels (for example, the electoral process); may not be so significant for society (for example, the formation of a separate party), but may reflect changes in it. From the point of view of significance for society, political processes are divided into basic and private.

The dynamics of the entire political life is usually set by the basic political process (for example, the “democratization of society”). It characterizes the operation of the entire political system as a mechanism for the formation and implementation political power. As a result, changes are observed in all spheres of public life. (Give examples.)

The basic process determines the content of private processes: economic-political, political-legal, cultural-political, etc. An example of one of the private cultural-political processes is the modernization of education in the Russian Federation, discussed in the paragraphs "Science and education", "Political system". (Remember how the interaction of the political system and environment within this process. What steps did it include?

Let us emphasize that the following stages, or stages, are typical for both basic and private political processes:

a) representation of interests (requirements) to power structures;
b) decision making;
c) implementation of decisions.

The political process is always aimed at solving a political problem. We are talking about the most significant problems for society, those that require the intervention of the authorities. For example, the deterioration of the academic performance of some students is a private problem of individual schools and families. And the state of the education system in the country as a whole is a political problem. These issues are on the political agenda. Their solution becomes an object - the goal of the political process, which leads to certain results (improving the quality of education, creating new management structures and increasing its efficiency, etc.). However, the political process can take place only if there are specific subjects - participants in the process. These include initiators, that is, those who state the problem, and performers, that is, those who are able to ensure its consistent solution.

The initiators of political processes in a democratic society are citizens, interest groups, political parties and movements, professional and creative unions, youth, women's and other organizations, and the media. (The essence and significance of their actions will be discussed below, when examining the issue of political participation.)

Solution political issues belongs to the executors - first of all to power institutions and officials vested with power, as well as to people appointed for these purposes from non-governmental organizations. (Remember who, how and in what forms decided the issue of modernizing education.)

The executors of the political process choose the means. methods and resources for its implementation. Resources can be knowledge, science, technical and financial means, public opinion, etc.

The outcome (result) of the political process largely depends on the combination of internal and external factors. Internal factors include, for example, the competence and ability of the authorities to correctly assess the situation, choose adequate means and methods, and achieve implementation decisions taken in strict accordance with the rule of law. Equally important is the competence and civil responsibility of those to whom these decisions are addressed. The inconsistency of all elements of the political process, i.e., subjects, objects (goals), means, methods and resources of executors, leads to unpredictable results (perestroika processes, creation of CHG, etc.).

Within the framework of political processes, when solving problems, various interests of social groups intersect, sometimes causing intractable contradictions and conflicts. An example is the transformation of the state system, for example, the constitutional reform in Russia, which took place in a sharp confrontation between the supporters of the presidential republic and their opponents. No less acute is the struggle around other political problems. (Give examples.)

From the point of view of the publicity of the adoption of power decisions, open and hidden (shadow) political processes are distinguished.

In an open political process, the interests of groups and citizens are identified in the programs of parties, in voting in elections, through taking into account public opinion, through public appeals and people's demands to state authorities, consultations of power structures with interested parties and joint development of a number of documents with them.

In contrast to the open, the hidden (shadow) political process is characterized by closeness and lack of control. government decisions. They are accepted by officials and authorities under the influence of not publicly registered, publicly recognized (shadow) structures, such as mafia corporations and clans.

In a democratic society, the authorities are called upon to act openly. resolve socio-political contradictions and conflicts primarily by non-violent methods. The main one is the coordination of interests based on the search for a compromise and reaching a consensus (from the Latin consensus - consent).

Consequently, truly democratic processes are open processes taking place before the eyes of the whole society and with its conscious active political participation.

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

Political participation - these are the actions of a citizen in order to influence the adoption and implementation of state decisions, the choice of representatives in government institutions. This concept characterizes the involvement of members of this society in the political process.

The scope of possible participation is determined by political rights and freedoms. In a democratic society, these include: the right to elect and be elected to public authorities, the right to participate in the management of state affairs directly and through their representatives; the right to unite in public organizations, including political parties; the right to hold rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets; the right of access to public service; the right to appeal to state bodies.

Recall that the exercise of rights has boundaries (measures) and is regulated by laws and other regulations. Thus, the right of access to public service is limited by a certain register government positions. The right to gather for rallies, demonstrations - an indication that they must take place peacefully, without weapons, after prior notification of the authorities. Organization and activities are prohibited political parties aimed at forcibly changing the foundations of the constitutional system, inciting social, racial, national, religious hatred, etc.

Established regulatory restrictions, requirements and prohibitions are introduced in the interests of the security of the individual, society and the state, the protection of morality and public order.

Political participation is indirect (representative) and direct (direct) . Indirect participation is carried out through elected representatives. Direct participation is the impact of a citizen on power without intermediaries. It appears in the following forms:

The reaction of citizens (positive or negative) to the impulses emanating from the political system;
- periodic participation in actions related to the election of representatives, with the transfer of authority to them for decision-making;
- participation of citizens in the activities of political parties, socio-political organizations and movements;
- influence on political processes through appeals and letters, meetings with political figures;
- direct actions of citizens (participation in rallies, pickets, etc.);
- activity of political leaders.

The designated forms of political activity can be group, mass and individual . Thus, an ordinary citizen who wants to influence politics usually joins a group, party or movement whose political positions coincide or are close to his own. A party member, for example, being active in the affairs of his organization and election campaigns, has a constant and most effective impact on power. (Explain why.)

Often, citizens, groups or collectives, outraged by the injustice of a state decision, demand its revision. They apply with petitions, letters and statements to the relevant authorities, on radio and television, in the editorial offices of newspapers and magazines. The problem acquires public resonance and forces the authorities, as already noted, to change or correct their decision.

Mass actions can have no less efficiency. For example, in Russia there are rallies of teachers, doctors, miners against late payment of salaries, worsening working conditions or growing unemployment. Political scientists call these forms of protest, because they are people's negative reaction to the current situation in society.

The most developed and extremely an important form political participation are democratic elections. This is a necessary minimum of political activity guaranteed by constitutions. Within the framework of the institution of elections, each full-fledged citizen performs his individual action, voting for any party, any candidate or political leader. By adding his vote to the votes of other voters who have made the same choice, he directly affects the composition of the representatives of the people, and hence political course. Therefore, participation in elections is a responsible matter. Here one should not succumb to first impressions and emotions, because there is a great danger of falling under the influence of populism. Populism (from Latin populus - people) is an activity whose goal is to ensure popularity among the masses at the cost of unfounded promises, demagogic slogans, appeals to the simplicity and clarity of the proposed measures. Election promises require a critical attitude.

Elections are closely related to referendums - voting on legislative or other issues. Thus, the Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted at a national referendum.

Political participation can be permanent (membership in a party), periodic (participation in elections), one-time (appeal to authorities). Nevertheless, it is always directed, as we found out, to do something (change the situation, choose new composition legislature) or prevent something (deterioration of people's social conditions).

Unfortunately, in every society some groups of citizens shy away from participating in politics. Many of them believe that they are outside the political games. In practice, such a position, called absenteeism, strengthens a certain political line and can cause damage to the state. For example, non-attendance at elections can disrupt them and thereby paralyze the most important parts of the political system. Citizens who boycott elections sometimes become involved in political processes, especially conflict situations when their interests are affected. But political participation can be disappointing, because it is far from always effective. Here much depends on whether political actions are rational or irrational. The first is conscious and planned actions, with an understanding of goals and means. The second is actions motivated mainly emotional state people (irritation, indifference, etc.), impressions of ongoing events. In this regard, the normativity of political behavior, that is, the observance of political rules and norms, is of particular importance. So, even a sanctioned and organized rally can have unpredictable consequences if its participants act mostly irrationally and not according to the rules (permit hooligan antics, insult opponents, desecrate state symbols). Violent, extremist forms of behavior, a variety of which is terrorism, are extremely dangerous. (What are its goals, essence and consequences? If there are difficulties, refer to task 3.)

We emphasize that violence and enmity give rise only to violence and enmity. The alternative to this is civil consent. Recently, new mechanisms of political communication of people have been formed: public control observance of political norms, forecasting the consequences of political actions, constructive dialogue of political forces. This requires a new democratic political culture from the participants in the political process.

POLITICAL CULTURE

Political culture personality presupposes: firstly, versatile political knowledge; secondly, an orientation towards the values ​​and rules of life in a democratic society; thirdly, the mastery of these rules (methods of practical political action - models of behavior). Taken together, they characterize a democratic political culture. Let's take a look at each of its components.

political knowledge - this is a person's knowledge about politics, the political system, about various political ideologies, as well as those institutions and procedures that ensure the participation of citizens in the political process. Political knowledge can include both scientific and everyday ideas. In everyday ideas, political phenomena are often distorted, consensus is interpreted as conciliation, and democracy - as unlimited opportunities to do whatever you want. Scientific knowledge is the result of mastering the basics of political science and is designed to adequately reflect political reality.

The person who owns scientific knowledge, is able to independently navigate and evaluate political information, resist attempts to manipulate him political consciousness which, unfortunately, is not uncommon in politics.

Political value orientations - these are a person's ideas about the ideals and values ​​\u200b\u200bof a reasonable or desired social structure. They are formed under the influence of knowledge about politics, personal emotional attitude to political phenomena and their assessments.

Many Russians, as political scientists note, do not yet have a strong and conscious orientation towards the establishment of democratic values ​​in the country, enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation. (List them.) The weakness of the political positions of citizens is one of the reasons that make it difficult to achieve harmony in society, contributes to the emergence of nationalist and other radical political movements. And vice versa, adherence to democratic ideals and values ​​encourages a person to purposeful, most often constructive, actions.

Methods of practical political action are models and rules of political behavior that determine how one can and how one should act. Many scientists call them models of political behavior, because any form of political participation of a citizen presupposes the observance of not one, but a number of political rules. For example, participation in elections involves analysis and evaluation from the standpoint of certain requirements of election programs and the personal qualities of contenders for power. The totality of the voter's actions in accordance with the regulatory requirements (rules) will be the model (sample) of his political behavior.

Political consciousness predetermines political behavior, which, in turn, actively influences political consciousness.

Let us emphasize that democratic political culture manifests itself in reality in political behavior, and not in words.

The essential features of a democratic culture are classified by political scientists as social and cultural values. Their successful implementation largely depends on whether the participants in politics have such personal qualities, as criticality, initiative and creativity, humanism, peacefulness, tolerance (respect for other people's opinions), civic responsibility for one's political choice and ways to implement it.

Thus, the democratic type of political culture has a pronounced humanistic orientation and is of worldwide significance. It embodies the best samples political experience of many countries of the world.

PRACTICAL CONCLUSIONS

1 In order to understand this or that political process, it is necessary to find out who exactly acts as its initiator, in whose interests it is carried out, who and how is able to ensure its consistent development. Since the real process is always influenced by various political forces, it is advisable to evaluate their alignment. In other words, it is necessary to determine which stratum, social group, is at the center of events and dominates them. This will allow us to draw conclusions about the nature and direction of the ongoing changes.

2 Self-obtained information about the political process will allow competently and consciously engage in it: choose adequate forms of political participation, comprehend the goals and means of their political actions.

3 Political actions must be carried out in accordance with established norms and rules, without excessive emotionality.

4 Consistent implementation of the above advice will contribute to the development of a democratic political culture.

Document

From the "Memoirs" of the chairman of the Social Democratic Party, the former Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, W. Brandt.

At the age of fifteen ... I spoke in the Lübeck newspaper Volksboten, declaring that as young socialists we must prepare for the political struggle, we must constantly work on ourselves, improve ourselves, and not kill our time with mere dances, games and songs. Where there is no place for civil courage, freedom is short-lived. And where freedom is not defended at the right moment, it can be returned only at the cost of huge sacrifices. This is the lesson of our century.

When at the beginning of the summer of 1987 I resigned from the post of party chairman, I asked myself: what, besides peace, is most important for you? And he answered: freedom. I defined it as freedom of conscience and opinion, freedom from want and fear.

Questions and tasks for the document

1. How do you understand the author’s thought: “where there is no place for civil courage, freedom is short-lived”? Is this idea relevant today? Justify your answer.
2. What, according to W. Brandt, was the essence and purpose of preparing young socialists for active participation in the activities of the party?
3. Should, in your opinion, modern Russian youth, entering political life, prepare for political struggle? Explain the answer.

SELF-CHECK QUESTIONS

1 What is the political process?
2. What types of political processes do you know?
3. What are the structure and stages of the political process?
4. What is the essence of political participation?
5. What are the possible forms of political activity of citizens?
6. Why is political participation not always effective?
7. What is political culture?

TASKS

1. Some political scientists compare the political process with the two-faced Janus - the Roman deity of doors, entry and exit, every beginning, one face of which is turned to the past, the other to the future. How do you understand this comparison? On specific examples, reveal its essence.

What are the three forms of citizen participation in political governance mentioned in the text? Using the facts of public life and personal social experience, give examples of how citizens can use each of the forms of participation in political governance indicated in the text.

Read the text and complete tasks 21-24.

The humanities have developed many definitions of the state. However, they all boil down to the following: the state is a universal political organization with special public power and a specialized apparatus of regulatory influence, expressing primarily the interests of the dominant social stratum and performing tasks common to society.

Territory is the space within which sovereign state power operates. The territory of the state is limited by the state border - a plane that determines the limits of the action of state power as sovereign.

The next sign of the state is the population. It is a collection of individuals united not by consanguinity or nationality, but by territorial and citizenship - a legal relationship between a person and the state, including mutual rights, duties and responsibilities. The state is obliged to provide its citizens with support and patronage, including abroad. Only citizens have the right to participate in public administration. This participation is expressed in the implementation of the electoral right, public service, participation in referendums, local self-government.

Citizenship and common territory of residence are formal legal factors that unite individuals into a population. In addition, people in the state are connected by a common language, religion, traditions, historical development, spiritual, cultural and ethnic factors, etc. Another important element of the state is the state apparatus. The state is characterized by a special apparatus of control and coercion, spreading its power influence over the entire population and the entire territory of the state. The state is a politically organized society.

Power is the ability and ability to control the behavior of third parties, to influence their behavior, to impose one's will, including by force.

At the same time, the state does not coincide with society; it is a special political organization within it that manages public affairs. Such power is called public.

In the state, managerial work is separated from production. The official is engaged only in management, realizing the power functions of the state.

Thus, state power is exercised by an authorized group of persons - the ruling elite, which implements both general social functions and its own group interests in management.

(According to V.V. Dyakonov)

Explanation.

Answer: 1. Implementation of the right to vote;

2. Public service;

3. Participation in referendums, local self-government.

The correct answer should list three forms of citizen participation in political governance:

1) participation in elections (for example, citizens elect deputies of representative bodies of power, in presidential and mixed republics - the head of state);

3) participation in local self-government (for example, participation in citizens' gatherings, in the work of representative bodies of local self-government);

4) public service (for example, citizens can enter the service in the bodies government controlled be elected to elective positions in representative and executive bodies of state power).

Other examples of citizen participation in political governance can be given.

Citizen is a person belonging to the permanent population of a given state, enjoying its protection and endowed with a set of rights and obligations.

Between the citizen and the state are established civil relationsand I on the basis of the legal capacity and capacity of a citizen

- Legal capacity- the ability to have civil rights and bear certain responsibilities.

- legal capacity- the ability to acquire and exercise civil rights. Until the age of 18, a person has incomplete (partial) legal capacity. From the age of 18 comes the full realization of legal capacity.

Every citizen has the rights:

political,

civil,

social,

Economic

Cultural.

The state guarantees the observance of the rights and freedoms of the individual, creates conditions for their real implementation.

Along with rights, every citizen has his own duties

He must:

To comply with the laws and regulations established by the state,

Do not violate the interests of subjects of law and laws,

Do not harm the health of other people, the environment,

Stand up for society and the state

In its turn, the state undertakes to be responsible to the citizen in the person of their bodies and officials, to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens on the territory of the state and beyond its borders.

Types of individual participation in politics:

- completely unconscious- eg. human behavior in the crowd;

- semiconscious- political conformism - understanding the meaning of one's role with unconditional

submission to the requirements of their social environment, even in cases of disagreement with it;

- conscious participation- the ability to change one's role and one's position in accordance with one's own

consciousness and will.

Motives and factors for participation in politics:

The desire to protect the interests of other citizens;

Ensuring justice for all;

Contribute to solving problems of the state and society;

Selfish goals (personal: prestige, career, etc.);

unconscious motives.

Reasons for passivity or non-participation in politics:

Lack of remuneration (no benefit, no cost recovery, etc.);

Weak theoretical training (lack of knowledge of legislation, theory of state and law);

Common opinion: “There is no warrior in the field”, “What can I do?” etc.;

Factors affecting the level of political activity:

The state of the country's economy (an economic recovery leads to a decline in political activity);

Type of political regime in the country;

Existing ideology in the country;

The level of culture of society and the individual himself;

Personal views, beliefs and values ​​of a person; Law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" (extract)

№3

Ticket number 12

1. Social sphere of society. Social politics.

Social sphere - set of social connection, social interaction and social relations between people.

social connection- facts that determine joint activities in certain conditions.

social interaction- the interaction of people in the process of communication.

social relations- establishing communication between people, social groups.

social group in terms of numbers it can be large and small, in terms of the nature of relationships - primary and secondary, in terms of the method of organization - formal and informal, in terms of the number of values ​​- unilateral and multilateral.

social norms- general rules for regulating relations between people in society. Among them are:

- customs(traditions, rituals) - historical patterns and rules of conduct;

- legal regulations- norms enshrined in laws issued by the state, which clearly describe the boundaries of behavior and punishment;

- moral standards- spiritual and moral values;

- political norms- the norms governing the relationship between the individual and the authorities, between social groups;

- religious norms- moral standards, supported by the consciousness of believers and religious faith;

- aesthetic standards- ideas about the beautiful and the ugly;

- rules of etiquette- patterns of correct behavior and communication;

Social politics- this is the regulation by the state of the socio-economic conditions of society and concern for the well-being of all its citizens.

Subjects of social policy:

State

Civil society

Main directions of social policy:

Providing able-bodied citizens with opportunities to work or engage in entrepreneurial activities;

Providing social guarantees for disabled, poor and unemployed segments of the population (state pensions and social benefits)

State. family support, motherhood, childhood

Occupational safety and health of people

Establishment of a guaranteed minimum wage

Improving the demographic situation in the country

Development of social structure.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation states: “The Russian Federation - welfare state whose policy is aimed at creating conditions that ensure a decent life and free development of a person.

In Russia social reform program.

Main tasks proclaimed:

Improving the financial situation and living conditions of people;

Ensuring effective employment of the population;

Implementation of the rights of citizens in the field of labor, social protection, education, health protection, culture;

Improving the demographic situation in the country; - development of social infrastructure.

Law "On State Social Assistance" (extract)

Citizen participation in political life is considered obligatory element modern society. With its help, people become active subjects of political life, influence important social problems, and determine the conditions of their own existence.

Features of participation

The participation of citizens in the political life of the country is a kind of political activity. It consists in the influence of citizens on the adoption of various important decisions in the state.

Character traits

It is necessary to make some clarifications to this term. The participation of a citizen in political life implies the influence of ordinary citizens on the life of society. This term does not take into account officials vested with state power, performing direct managerial functions.

The participation of citizens in the political life of the state is not connected with the professional activities of people who are part of the power, executive, representative, power structures. Officials and professional politicians act as ordinary residents of the country only during the voting procedure.

Participation options

The opportunity for citizens to participate in political life is voluntary, not mandatory for all residents.

All activities that relate to "participation for money" do not apply to an active life position. Participation of a citizen in political life should not be associated with campaigning for some candidate, party.

Absenteeism

This is the reluctance of citizens to take an active part in political life, which is explained by the lack of interest in this side of society. Currently, this quality is demonstrated by citizens during the voting.

Forms of participation

Let us consider the main forms of citizens' participation in political life. Among them, mass demonstrations are of particular interest. These include pickets, demonstrations, rallies, strikes.

In addition, the participation of citizens in the political life of society is manifested in voting in referendums and elections. Citizens can express their own position, opinion on the activities of various political parties, using the media. Ordinary citizens can submit an opinion on the adoption of certain laws, the level of their implementation in the form of appeals, letters to executive authorities.

The participation of a citizen in political life is also manifested in the form of control of deputies, constant contact with local authorities. People have the opportunity to exercise control over the activities of municipal and state bodies.

Common variant

What are the opportunities for citizens to participate in political life? Participation in various elections can be considered as the most common form of such activity. In those countries where there is a developed democracy, the number of citizens who take part in national election campaigns reaches 90 percent. The average figure is 50-80 percent.

Classification

What are the opportunities for citizens to participate in political life? Given the variety of forms, it is customary to classify them according to different grounds. Legal participation is possible, which is permitted by legislative acts. Terrorism refers to an illegal type of political activity, it is prohibited by law.

Depending on the number of participants, collective and individual political activities are distinguished.

By the nature of the actions, they note: constant action, characteristic of activists, as well as episodic participation of citizens in political life (elections, referendums).

Ordinary citizens can demonstrate their attitude to the actions of political parties, state structures at the local or regional level.

Direction of action

Forms of participation differ in the direction of action. For example, citizens want to realize private interests when holding a rally, or a strike is aimed at resolving a serious situation that has developed in the city. The option of citizens' participation in political life also depends on the resources and efforts that participants will have to make in order to cope with the task they have set. For example, when demonstrating a protest regarding the reduction of employees in an enterprise, citizens must be prepared to overcome pressure from the company's management.

Motivation for political participation

What opportunities for citizen participation in political life exist at the present time? Why do people aspire to such activities? What is the main purpose of political participation? G. Perry, who has been studying this problem for several years, noted that there are three main explanations for the phenomenon of political participation.

The most common form of participation is the instrumental model. The main motive is the possibility of implementing group or individual interests. People are trying in this way to get decisions and actions from the government that will be beneficial for them.

The communal model of participation in political life involves the use of the desire of people to make positive changes in the life of society as a source and main motive. Citizens do not think about their own interests, they are driven by the desire to help other people eliminate some problems.

The educational model involves paying attention not to the sources of participation, but to the results of activities. Political activity citizens is an important element of socialization. For some people, political participation turns into an important part of life, it is an opportunity to realize their abilities and creative potential.

The main motives for participation are rational-instrumental principles. The actions of citizens are aimed at the creation, adoption, and implementation of government decisions, the search for worthy representatives in government institutions.

Citizen groups

The scope of permissible participation is limited by the political rights of citizens. According to this indicator, the population is divided into two groups. One of them is the political elite. The basis of the activity of such people is politics. These include representatives of parties, state authorities. In the second group are ordinary people.

Them political activity is a voluntary activity, a desire to influence public authorities.

Some scholars take the position that participation is seen as a political action of both groups. There are also those who single out as political participation only the actions of ordinary citizens.

Not all people become professional public and political figures, so let's talk about the actions of ordinary citizens. There are two ways to participate in the political life of the country. The first option involves direct participation, the second - indirect (representative) action.

Examples of direct participation include attending rallies, participating in pickets, voting in elections, letters and appeals to state bodies, and activities in political parties.

Indirect participation is carried out by choosing representatives from parties, groups. It is to them that ordinary citizens transfer authority so that they make decisions. For example, a delegate will be able to become an active member of the parliamentary commission, will negotiate with government agencies, and establish informal relations with government officials.

Such types of political participation correspond to certain political roles: party members, voter, petitioner. Regardless of the chosen role, active participation is expected, bringing a certain result.

Autonomous participation involves voluntary and free actions of citizens associated with the manifestation of a certain political position regarding the pursuit of personal or group interests.

Mobilized participation is a compulsory option; it presupposes the obligatory participation of citizens in demonstrations and elections. This option existed during the Soviet Union.

Citizens who refused to support the political line pursued in the country were punished with a "ruble", career growth. Mobilized participation prevails in authoritarian and totalitarian political regimes. In a democratic state, the autonomous participation of citizens in the political life of society is assumed.

The American political scientist S. Verba emphasized that only for a democratic society can we talk about an effective mechanism for the political participation of ordinary citizens in the life of society. This is manifested in the transfer by people who are not professional politicians of information about their own preferences, interests, needs to government representatives.

For example, citizens who are outraged by the injustice that exists in society make up petitions, appear on television, and prepare letters of protest to government agencies. In specific situations, it is possible to organize rallies, strikes aimed at solving the existing problem.

Such behavior of the population brings positive results. The authorities are forced to listen to the position of ordinary citizens, to correct the decision.

Conclusion

Every citizen has the right to participate in the political life of his country. To use it, two main factors are needed: the consciousness of the individual, the culture of democracy. The basis for the creation of the main political processes is the direct participation of people in the political life of their state.

Political participation of citizens is influenced by the situation in society. Depending on the level of development of the state, it is possible to involve various segments of the population in such activities.

Social differentiation leads to the emergence of certain socio-political forces, for example, parties, organizations.

Does an ordinary citizen have the opportunity to influence the political process? What is the purpose of developing a culture of democracy in modern society? Political activity is constantly undergoing modernization, it is considered a dynamic system.

It includes social groups, people, the ruling elite. At the same time, each structure pursues its own selfish interests, has a certain level of culture and education.

It is in the interaction of subjects contemporary politics there is a conquest, containment, the use of state power, the modernization of political processes in society.