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Elections as a form of political participation. Participation of citizens in political life plan: forms Participation of a citizen in political life plan exam

04.01.2022

One of the most important elements of modern political systems is the institution of general elections. Thanks to him, the political rights of citizens to the formation of representative power are realized - from local bodies to the president.

Elections are a way to change the ruling elites through the will of the population, an instrument of legitimation and stabilization of power. They make it possible to reveal the alignment of political forces in states, states, lands, etc., and determine the degree of public confidence in parties and their programs. During the electoral process, political socialization is especially actively carried out, political values are assimilated, political skills and experience are acquired.

Finally, elections are a form of population control over the ruling elite. If the government does not express the interests of the voters, the elections provide an opportunity to change it, to hand over the reins of power to the opposition, which, as a rule, goes to the polls with criticism of the existing government. On the eve of elections, under pressure from voters, the government itself can adjust course in an effort to enlist the support of voters.

Society's readiness for holding elections -- the most important feature its democratic nature, its ability to solve urgent problems by peaceful political means.

Thus, elections are a kind of political market. Applicants offer their programs and promises to voters in exchange for power. As in any market, there is deceit and speculation on the trust of voters. Therefore, elections are effective in the presence of legislation on electoral systems and the existence of civil society as a set of non-state entities that implement the interests of citizens (parties, trade unions, voters' clubs, various associations, unions, centers, foundations, etc.).

The election procedure is regulated by the electoral law of each country. The legislation contains provisions on the procedure for nominating candidates, requirements for candidates, the procedure for voting and counting votes, the ability to use the services of the media and sources of funding.

Democratic elections are determined by a number of principles - a kind of universally recognized norms that have unconditional value, which make elections precisely democratic. These principles are provided by the right to vote - the right to vote.

In the constitutions of countries with parliamentary democracy, first of all, the very principle of the election of representative bodies and the inalienable right of the people to form them are fixed. The text of the constitution itself, as a rule, reveals the content of the principle of universality of elections. The principle of universality means that all citizens of a given state have the right to participate actively - as voters, and passively - as candidates for government bodies, participation in elections. This right is limited by a number of qualifications: the age qualification, the disability qualification, which excludes participation in elections, for example, mentally ill citizens. There are also moral qualifications that limit the rights or exclude from participation in elections persons held in places of deprivation of liberty by a court verdict.

An indispensable principle of modern democratic elections is equal suffrage. Its practical implementation lies in the fact that deputies are elected to parliament, each of which represents the same number of citizens, and each voter has the same share of participation in parliamentary elections. Compliance with this principle largely depends on the correct "cutting" of constituencies Pugachev V.P., Solovyov A.I. Introduction to Political Science: Textbook. - M.: Aspect Press, 2006. - P. 108 ..

The next principle is the immediacy of elections. The essence of this principle lies in the fact that voters directly (without intermediaries, delegates or representatives) elect members of parliament and other representatives of political authorities.

The most important principle of democratic elections is competitiveness, equal participation in elections of competing parties, movements, candidates representing various social groups of society.

Finally, a principle relating to the voting procedure is the secret ballot. This principle is ensured by various technical methods that reduce the likelihood of external influence on voters.

Any election is held within a period clearly defined by law. This period is called the election campaign. Each election campaign has its own calendar of pre-election events, taking into account the deadlines provided for by law. Thus, according to Russian legislation, the date of the election must be set no later than 72 days in advance, registration of candidates must be carried out 40 days in advance, and so on.

Depending on the time sequence and features of the tasks to be solved, the electoral process is divided into several stages, stages: 1) the preparatory stage, which characterizes the socio-political soil from which the elections “grow”, as well as organizational measures that make it possible to hold elections; 2) nomination of candidates, ending with their registration; 3) agitation and propaganda campaign; 4) voting and summing up the results of elections. Strictly speaking, only the last three stages directly characterize the electoral process itself.

The election campaign begins after the preparatory activities and the official appointment of the election date. The term itself applies to both the entire state and individual candidates or parties. In the first case, the election campaign is a set of organizational, political, outreach and campaigning activities to directly ensure the electoral process in the state, in the second, a system of activities aimed at the success of a particular candidate or party.

The first step in an election campaign is the nomination of candidates and (or) parties (movements). There are various ways to nominate and register them: 1) collection of signatures in support of a candidate or party; 2) providing a registration fee or a cash deposit, as well as documents indicating that the candidate has some kind of support, such as a list of party activists or members of a support group; 3) automatic registration of candidates in the event that they occupy posts contested in the upcoming elections.

To conduct an election campaign, parties, individual candidates create election headquarters. Plans are developed for campaigning and propaganda events, meetings of the candidate with voters, representatives of the candidate (observers) are appointed to the election commissions. In the conditions of modern Russia, such headquarters are created by candidates representing power structures, the opposition is deprived of such an opportunity due to lack of material resources.

As a rule, in most countries, election campaigning stops one day before the opening of polling stations. This is done so that the voters themselves have the opportunity to independently think over and comprehensively make their choice - for whom and for what exactly to cast their vote.

The holding of elections is ensured by state structures: election commissions, executive authorities, courts, and the prosecutor's office. They ensure the compilation of voter lists, the design of polling stations, the printing of ballots, the organization of voting, the observance of the law, the tabulation of voting results, and the notification of voters about the results of elections.

The legislation provides for a certain monetary fund that a candidate can use to conduct an election campaign. This fund is created from the candidate's personal funds, contributions from the respective party or movement, sponsorship donations. For opposition candidates, this is the most difficult and complex issue. However, practice shows that practically all candidates create such funds on a larger or smaller scale. At the same time, it is provided that the candidate has no right to spend more money than it is stipulated by the legislation, although this requirement is constantly violated, even during presidential elections.

Today, voting is carried out with the help of either special voting machines or ballots. The latter method of voting is much more widespread. The main place of voting is the polling stations.

Immediately after the end of the voting, the election commission or other special election body starts counting its results. There should be no break or delay between voting and counting of votes, as this can be used for various kinds of falsifications. In international practice, the most common violations of the rules of voting and counting are the production and accounting of extra ballots, the direct attribution of votes to one of the deputies, the withdrawal of ballots cast for an objectionable candidate, etc.

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Elections as a form of political participation. Factors affecting electoral behavior

Plan

Introduction

1. The concept and essence of political participation

2. Forms and varieties of political participation

3. Elections as a form of political participation

4. Factors affecting electoral behavior

Conclusion

Bibliography

political delegation electoral will

Introduction

Political behavior is a set of reactions of social subjects (social, communities, groups, individuals, etc.) to activities political system. Political behavior can be subdivided into political participation and absenteeism.

Political participation is the influence of citizens on the functioning of the political system, the formation of political institutions and the process of making political decisions. American political scientists S. Verba and N. Ni emphasize that political participation is * “first of all, an instrumental activity through which citizens try to influence the government in such a way that it takes the actions they want”.

Political participation includes actions to delegate authority (electoral behavior); activism aimed at supporting candidates and parties in election campaigns; attending rallies and participating in demonstrations; participation in the activities of parties and interest groups.

1. The concept and essence of political participation

In every state-organized society, there is one or another involvement of citizens in politics. However, the very idea of the need for people to participate in political life is understood by scientists in different ways. Thus, many followers of the Rousseauist, Marxist and a number of other traditions in political thought insist on the need for the almost universal participation of citizens in political life. For example, Lenin repeatedly spoke of the inevitability under socialism of "direct, law-enforced<...>participation of all citizens in the administration of the state”. Some theorists of the so-called. New Leftists (L. Goodman, T. Hayden, F. Phonon) are also convinced of the insufficiency of citizens' participation in "symbolic" politics (i.e., voting) and require the mandatory involvement of the population in the decision-making process. To a large extent, ideas of this kind are presented in modern theories participatory democracy Komarovsky V.S. Democracy and Elections in Russia: Theory and History of the Question.//Sotsis. - 2006. - No. 6. - P.28. .

At the same time, the theoretical (and ideological) opponents of this point of view believe that “the only means of participation available to citizens<...>are voting for leaders and discussions". Even more than fifty years ago, the American scholar Lipmann suggested that to expect an interest in the affairs of the state from the average American means to assume that he has an almost pathological need for political knowledge and action.

Apparently, it should be recognized that the need and degree of involvement of citizens in politics depend on the specific situation, the spiritual climate in society, as well as on the state of both the political system and the person himself. However, it is also clear that in general real life most citizens have neither the means nor the opportunity to permanently participate in politics. For people who do not want to make a professional career as a politician, this area of life, requiring additional strength, knowledge, psychological readiness for competition and other internal properties and efforts, is most often not internally attractive. On the contrary, it often becomes a sphere for the release of negative emotions of a person, social overexcitation, a personality crisis, the manifestation of which are various forms of unlawful behavior, political terrorism, corruption, etc.

Most often, theories indicate the following reasons inclusion of an individual in politics: certain states of human consciousness (for example, a sense of a threat to one's social position - Laswell; rational and prudent awareness of one's interests and the need to gain a new status - Lane; desire for success in life and social recognition - Downes; understanding of public duty and the realization of one's own rights, fear for self-preservation in the social system, etc.), the achievement of a certain cultural and educational level; availability of information and a number of other factors. As a special reason, the ability of the state (political structures and institutions) to force the inclusion of citizens in the sphere of politics is considered.

Taken together, all these motives express the ratio of the individual's ideas about his civil status and the real opportunities provided by the state to strengthen or change this social position. Thus, political participation reveals the process of including an individual (groups of citizens) in the mechanisms of articulation and aggregation of his (their) powerfully significant interests. It characterizes all the actions of individuals and groups of citizens seeking to influence the content and nature of the political decisions of bodies and institutions. state power nationally or locally.

2. Forms and varieties of political participation

The variety of forms and varieties of political participation depends on certain properties of the acting subject (gender, age, occupation, religious affiliation, education, etc.), the regime of government (and, consequently, the set of those means that the state provides citizens to protect their rights and interests), as well as the specific political situation.

In accordance with these conditions, American political scientists S. Verba and L. Pye distinguish the following varieties of political participation: completely passive forms of political behavior of citizens; participation of people only in the elections of representative bodies; the involvement of individuals only in solving local problems; political behavior of active participants election campaigns; the behavior of political activists who extend their activity to the entire sphere of politics; participation as a form professional activity policy.

Their compatriot Milbert prefers to talk about "active" forms of political participation (leadership of state and party institutions, activities of candidates for representative bodies of power, organization of election campaigns, etc.), "intermediate" (participation in political meetings, support of parties with monetary donations, contacts with officials and political leaders, etc.), “observant” (wearing banners at demonstrations, attempts to involve other citizens in the voting process or discussions, etc.), as well as the “apathetic” attitude of citizens towards Nikiforov’s policies Yu.I. Political science: a course of lectures. - Ufa: Bashkir University, 2005. - P.88. .

With all the variety of forms and varieties of political participation, it is obvious that they all differ in scale and scope of social distribution. In other words, an individual's appeal to political means of protecting his interests may either involve his participation in resolving issues of a national nature, or relate to local problems, be limited to the framework of a local production team, territorial self-government, and so on. At the same time, the forms of political participation themselves can be both direct, expressed by the direct actions of the individual, and indirect, characterizing his inclusion in politics through various groups, organizations and structures.

An essential characteristic is the degree of intensity of political participation. If one of its extremes is the activity of activists of parties, political movements, interest groups, etc., then the other is characterized by apathy, alienation of people from politics, complete indifference to this sphere of public life. Equally, the reasons for the apathy of citizens can be disappointment in the political course pursued by the authorities, rejection of social system in general (for example, various lumpenized strata), focus on purely personal, domestic needs, or complete trust in the ruling elites and leaders. In turn, the reasons forcing people to spend a significant part of their lives in political battles are just as diverse. However, in any case, the extremes of political participation are very dangerous. Thus, excessive involvement in political relations absolutizes the competitive style of social existence as a whole, increases the nervous load, gives the moral principles of a person an excessive target orientation, forcing one to look at life through the prism of group relationships. On the other hand, long-term alienation from the authorities, and consequently, the lack of skills for conducting discussions and finding compromises creates a predisposition in people to radicalize their social demands and even extremism, and provokes explosive forms of relations between the population and the authorities.

The main and, as experience shows, the optimal form of political participation for the majority of the population are elections to representative bodies of power. This form of interaction between the individual and the state outlines clear areas of competence of elites and non-elites, provides opportunities for people to display the most varied degree of activity, and, what is very important, has a time span that does not require excessive psychological stress. Describing the most common forms of political participation, it should be said that they can be organized and unorganized, systematic and periodic, oriented towards traditional and non-traditional forms of relationship between the individual and the authorities. From the point of view of the motivation of political actions, one can speak of autonomous (expressing consciously conditioned forms of an individual's inclusion in politics) and mobilized forms of political participation (characterizing the forced entry of citizens into politics under pressure from the state or other political structures). In terms of attitude to the laws in force in the state, it is necessary to distinguish between conventional (i.e. legal, in accordance with the law) and non-conventional (illegal) forms of political participation.

3. Elections as a form of political participation

A society's readiness to hold elections is the most important sign of its democracy, its ability to solve pressing problems by peaceful political means.

The most important principle of democratic elections is competitiveness, equal participation in elections of competing parties, movements, candidates representing various social groups of society.

Finally, a principle relating to the voting procedure is the secret ballot. This principle is ensured by various technical methods that reduce the likelihood of external influence on voters.

Today, voting is carried out with the help of either special voting machines or ballots. The latter method of voting is much more widespread. The main place of voting is the polling stations.

4. Factors affecting electoral behavior

Among a number of factors influencing the creation of certain electoral tendencies of the Russian voter, we single out one of the main ones - the formation of a new mass mentality. During the years of transformations in our country, with the termination of the single ideology, very significant changes have occurred in the public consciousness, although it is still too early to consider them as a formed mentality of civil society. In order to suggest what features of mentality may appear in the future, one must have a good idea of \u200b\u200bwhat will inevitably be subject to change. This is especially evident in the process of regionalization. The process of regionalization last years led not only to the political independence of individual regions, but also to the loss of a single political mentality, its differentiation according to regional features and characteristics.

The problem of the Russian mentality is one of the main ones in the analysis of the formation of the foundations of the electoral behavior of Russian voters. This problem is multifaceted. It involves the elucidation of the potential readiness of Russians for the formation in Russia of a new type of social mentality and its influence on the choice of ways for the further development of society.

The task of the political socialization of the individual is the formation of a mature citizen, not subject to fluctuations in the political situation, capable of making decisions on topical issues. Naturally, the process of personality formation is very important, but no less important is the adaptation (but not adaptation) of the population to the new political reality. This process of resocialization ranges from a radical revision of former political values to the desire to keep one's views unchanged despite the pressure of the political environment.

This process turned out to be incredible in scale in Russia. Over the years, I had to learn new political vocabulary and norms. The Russians have changed both their political consciousness and behavior in order to express their vital interests in politics in the context of the new political reality.

The conducted studies show that one of the features of the value system of Russians is its relative stability. Values change at a rather slow pace. There is a shift in emphasis from socially significant, collectivist towards values of a personal, individualistic, family nature, material well-being. From which we can conclude that some changes have taken place in the mindset of Russians, and very significant ones, in a number of positions.

In general, these changes testify to the emerging trends towards a more rational perception by people of the reality around them.

The noted trend is expressed, in particular, in the growing role of economic and social factors, as opposed to political and ideological ones, which until recently played a leading role in shaping the electoral choice. In turn, this leads to greater awareness among people of what they want, what they are willing to tolerate, and what they unconditionally reject. This is especially evident in the population's assessments of the general situation in the country, as well as their own situation. Maltsev V.A. Fundamentals of political science: Textbook for universities. - M.: ITRK RSPP, 2007. - P.143. .

The attitude of Russian citizens to the processes taking place in the country is far from unambiguous. Through a system of complex mediations and interdependencies, it determines changes in their mentality, value orientations both short term and long term. At the same time, the value system of Russians is quite stable. The ongoing changes in the distribution and nature of values indicate that they are not changes of an alternative nature. Obviously, the mentality and behavior of Russians is characterized by a tendency to realize their own interests and implement them through the institutions of civil society. Whether it becomes predominant and stable will depend on the development of the political process, the position of power structures, regional and cultural characteristics, which are very large in the country. From all this, we can conclude that the electorate of modern Russia is complex and contradictory, which distinguishes it from the electorate of other countries.

State Russian Federation at present can be defined as socially tense and unstable, with a significant increase in the number of negative phenomena. Therefore, today, the identification of economic criteria in the formation of electoral preferences is one of the urgent problems. This issue is often addressed by Russian researchers, who, along with numerical methods research uses the so-called qualitative methods. Find out such features of the mood of the electorate, which allow you to accurately formulate the ideology, strategy and tactics of the election campaign.

In recent years, we can talk about certain changes in electoral behavior and the mechanisms of its formation. Data from various studies show that most people live with problems that are far from the political life of the country. They acquire the quality of the "electorate" as the problem of elections becomes actual. At the same time, there are people who can be woken up in the middle of the night two years before the election, asking them the question: “Who will you vote for if the election is held tomorrow?” and get a meaningful and unambiguous answer.

Conclusion

The most common type is electoral behavior. Its orientation is influenced primarily by the identification of a particular voter with a particular social group and/or party. Psychological closeness to the group limits the range of political orientations and alternatives, making political choices easier.

Numerous studies have shown that voter preferences are influenced by many factors (gender, age, religious affiliation, characteristics of primary socialization, etc.), but there are some general trends in the behavior of individual electoral groups. Thus, men, in general, are much more active in voting than women. Educated citizens demonstrate a high degree of political participation in the electoral process. Persons aged 35 to 55 are more active than younger or older persons. Activity is influenced by marital status and membership in any organizations. The views and preferences of women are more conservative than those of men. Married non-working women often adhere to the political agenda of their husbands. Young people gravitate towards radicalism to a certain extent and willingly give their votes to those who promise quick changes. Its electoral orientations diverge from those of the majority of society, and the level of activity is relatively low. Elderly people gravitate towards the left parties.

Of course, the above trends are not absolute. Often, under the influence of momentary moods and impressions, the voter rapidly changes his orientations and preferences. It is no coincidence that some, not devoid of a sense of humor, political scientists compare the character of the average voter with the character of a woman.

Bibliography

Komarovsky V.S. Democracy and Elections in Russia: Theory and History of the Question.//Sotsis. - 2006. - No. 6.

Krasnov B.I. Fundamentals of political science: a course of lectures. - M.: NMTs SPO, 2004.

Maltsev V.A. Fundamentals of political science: Textbook for universities. - M.: ITRK RSPP, 2007.

Nikiforov Yu.I. Political science: a course of lectures. - Ufa: Bashkir University, 2005.

Olshansky D.V. Fundamentals of political psychology. -- Ekaterinburg: Business book, 2001.

Pugachev V.P., Solovyov A.I. Introduction to Political Science: Textbook. - M.: Aspect Press, 2006.

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Theory for assignment No. 28 USE in social science

When drawing up a plan, the main thing is to remember what you can tell about this topic: for example, what features and features does its object have, what functions it performs, what types of this object are and by what features they are classified, what significance it has ...

You do not need to detail all the points - even to get the maximum score you need to write sub-points only in 2 cases, however, for greater certainty (and if you are absolutely sure of the correctness of what was written), you can write them in 2-4 places. The first point is logical to give a definition - you do not need to write it; for example, if your topic is “Political Leadership”, you can simply write “The Concept of Political Leadership” as the first number of the outline.

However, the definition can not be given in all cases - for example, in the topic "The Institute of the Presidency in the Russian Federation" it will not work - it is more logical to write about the legal status of the president or the procedure for his election. It is most convenient to detail such items as “functions”, “types”, “types of classification”. Consider possible options for tasks and plans.

Analysis of typical options for task No. 27 USE in social studies

The first version of the assignment

You have been instructed to prepare a detailed response on the topic “Political Participation of Citizens”. Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in sub-points.

Let's start with a definition; remember that you do not need to write it yourself. Further, it is logical to mention the forms of political participation - this point is very convenient to detail by writing about participation in elections, in the activities of political parties, voting in referenda, letters to state authorities, participation in local self-government, in rallies and demonstrations. Suffice it to mention any 3-4 forms of political participation. Now we can talk about the types of classification of political participation - after all, it can be legal and illegal, permanent and episodic, individual or collective, at the local and top levels...

If you do not remember this, you can write, for example, about the participation of citizens in the activities of local government. It is quite easy to make sub-points here - participation in elections to local self-government bodies, appeal to local self-government bodies, participation in public hearings.

You can also write about the voting rights of citizens. Then we will talk about the importance of the political participation of citizens, but we will not go into detail on this point. At the end, one more point can be added - political absenteeism (the opposite of political participation).

A possible "three point" plan looks like this:

1) The concept of political participation.

2) Forms of political participation:

participation in elections;
voting in referendums;
participation in the activities of local government;
membership in political parties.

3) Participation of citizens in the activities of local self-government:

participation in elections to local self-government bodies;
participation in public hearings;
appeal to local authorities.

4) The importance of the political participation of citizens.

5) Political absenteeism.

The second version of the assignment

You are instructed to prepare a detailed answer on the topic "Unemployment". Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in sub-points.

We start with a definition; then you can write a paragraph about the causes of unemployment. We will not detail it, unlike the next paragraph - types of unemployment. As we remember, it can be structural, frictional, cyclical and seasonal. Further, you can write about the forms of unemployment - open, hidden, fluid, stagnant. Let's call the next item "consequences of unemployment"; if you do not remember the types or forms of unemployment, you can try to detail it, for example, by writing about the decline in the standard of living of the population, the underutilization of economic potential, the formation of labor reserves and the decline in inflation. And at the end we will write the item "Methods of combating unemployment."

We write a plan:

1) The essence of the concept of "unemployment".

2) Types of unemployment:

friction;
structural;
cyclic;
seasonal.

3) Forms of unemployment:

open;
hidden;
fluid;
stagnant.

4) Consequences of unemployment.

5) Methods of combating unemployment.

The third version of the task

You have been instructed to prepare a detailed answer on the topic "The international division of labor in the context of globalization." Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in sub-points.

This topic is somewhat non-standard - it is difficult to indicate any forms and types here, as we did in the two previous tasks. The first point could be defined, but it is not very clear why it is better to do this - for the concept of "international division of labor" or "globalization". Therefore, we can skip the definition and start, say, with the factors of the international division of labor in the context of globalization.

These include: scientific and technological progress, demand in the world market, the country's position in the structure of the world economy, the structure of national production, environmental problems ... Then you can write the item "advantages from the international division of labor." In order for us to have one more detailed item, we can simply write "international economic relations in the context of globalization" and mention things like international trade, migration of labor force, monetary and financial relations, international movement of capital.

You can also talk about state policy in the field of the international division of labor and, if you wish (or if you could not detail some other point), write sub-points - protectionism and free trade.

A possible plan looks like this:

1) Factors of the international division of labor in the context of globalization:

demand in the world market;
the position of the country in the structure of the world economy;
structure of national production;
scientific and technical progress.

2) Benefits from the international division of labor.

3) International economic relations in the context of globalization:

monetary and financial relations;
international movement of capital;
labor migration;
international trade;
economic integration.

4) State policy in the field of the international division of labor.

Elections are an essential component contemporary politics. They are a way of forming the organs of power and administration by expressing the political will of citizens according to certain rules. As a result of elections, elected candidates are endowed with power. Elections are used in various democratic organizations: parties, trade unions, cooperatives, joint-stock companies.

Elections are always associated with voting, however, despite the closeness of these concepts, they also have significant differences. Elections are usually understood as a relatively regular, periodical process enshrined in the constitution and other laws, the selection of the composition of the state bodies. Voting is not always associated with elections. It is also used in various forms of democracy: in referendums, polls, collective decision-making at meetings.

Elections, as an integral element of democracy, bear the imprint of its various forms and play an unequal role in its various models. In political systems based on the principles of direct democracy, on the direct participation of citizens in making the most important government decisions, the role of elections is relatively small. In the conditions of modern democracies, elections are their core mechanism, the main form of manifestation of the sovereignty of the people, their political role as a source of power. They also serve as the most important channel for representing the interests of various social groups in the authorities.

Functions of Elections in a Democracy

The influence of elections on life modern societies diverse and manifests itself in their most important functions. In the scientific literature, there are following features elections:

Representation of various interests of the population;

Control over the institutions of power;

Integration of diverse opinions and formation of a common political will by uniting the majority of citizens around a certain political platform and its leaders;

Legitimation and stabilization of the political system, as well as the legitimation of specific institutions of power: parliament, government, president;

Expansion of communications, relations of representation between government institutions and citizens;

Translation of political conflicts into the mainstream of their institutionalized peaceful settlement;

Political socialization of the population, development of its political consciousness and political participation;

Generation of programs for the renewal of society. Elections provide an opportunity for various political forces to present their own vision of social problems and put forward programs for their solution. This stimulates the search for optimal ways of development.

The above functions are performed by elections only in democratic political systems, in which the electoral process itself is democratic.

Electoral process

The main social purpose of democratic elections is to adequately reflect the opinion and will of citizens, to ensure the representation of the main social groups in government, and also to form an effective government. Elections can correspond to their social purpose only if they are based on certain principles. First, these are the principles of suffrage, which determine the status, position of each citizen in elections; Secondly, general principles organization of elections that characterize the fundamental organizational, including social, conditions for their democracy. Together, these principles determine the nature of the electoral process. Thus, electoral process - it is an organization, a mechanism for holding elections based on the existing suffrage.

Democratic principles suffrage include:

1. Universality- all citizens, regardless of gender, race, nationality, class or professional affiliation, language, income level, wealth, education, confession or political opinion, have an active (as a voter) and a passive (as a candidate) right to participate in elections . The age limit allows the participation in elections of citizens of the state only from a certain age, as a rule, upon reaching the age of majority. The residency requirement is also widespread, which puts forward a certain period of residence in a given area or country as a condition for admission to elections. For example, according to the US constitution, an American citizen by birth, at least 35 years of age and resident within the United States for at least 14 years, can become the president of the country.

In the USA until the end civil war Americans of color did not participate in the electoral process except in minor groups.

2. Equality- Each voter has only one vote. Equality of voting rights implies an approximate equality of electoral districts, which is necessary so that the votes of voters have approximately the same weight in the election of a deputy, but in practice some deviations from this principle are allowed. Thus, according to the electoral law of Germany, constituencies may differ in population by one third.

3. Election Mystery- the decision of a particular voter should not be known to anyone. This principle applies only to passive suffrage. In practice, the secrecy of elections is ensured by a closed voting procedure, the presence of special voting booths, a standard form, the sameness of ballots, sealing of ballot boxes, and severe punishment for violating electoral secrecy.

4. Direct (immediate) voting- the voter makes a decision directly about a specific candidate for an elective position, votes for a real person. There are no instances between voters and candidates that mediate their will and directly determine the personal composition of deputies.

In cases where citizens choose only electors or a special body that directly elects a candidate, indirect (indirect) elections take place. Such elections, due to the depersonalization, abstractness of the choice, extinguish the interest of citizens in voting and contribute to the development of absenteeism. They distort the will of the voters in favor of the big parties and blocs, as the votes won by outsider parties are lost at every level of elections. Indirect elections are rarely used these days. For example, presidential elections in modern world are mainly carried out either in general direct elections, or by the country's parliament.

Elections are the most important form of participation in the political process of the state of ordinary citizens. In our time, they have become the main element of the political system. The institution of general elections was introduced relatively recently, but today, without its implementation, it is impossible to imagine the healthy development of not only civil society, but all other parts of the political system and institutions.

Remark 1

With the help of the election procedure, all the basic rights of citizens of that other country are realized, and the composition of representative power is formed at all levels of the state. The main ones are the elections of the head of state. Also, citizens usually take Active participation in municipal elections, national legislative elections and other local elections.

Election functions

The process of expressing the will of citizens led to the emergence of a procedure for changing the ruling elite, as well as other representatives of the people in state and local authorities. This process is a sign of stability and tools for legitimizing power. Through elections, the alignment of political forces in a particular territorial entity or institution of power is revealed. Elections are able to determine in the most transparent, efficient and optimal way the degree of public confidence in certain parties, as well as their program promises, to demonstrate attitudes towards such political communities and individual politicians and officials.

During the implementation of the electoral process, political socialization is activated, political skills and experience are acquired, and political values are assimilated.

Elections provide a unique opportunity to exercise a form of control over the ruling elite. This function belongs entirely to the population of the country where such a democratic process is taking place. Every citizen, regardless of his location in society, who has reached a certain age, can express his position on one or another political process, which takes place at a given time in a particular territory. He has every right to criticize the existing regime or political activity parties in the representative body of the state using an accessible and legal way within a certain period, according to the dates of the electoral process established at the legislative level. Before the elections, a number of events are held aimed at gaining the support of voters and adjusting the future political course.

The ability and desire of every citizen to take an active part in the electoral process, to influence the existing situation in the political system, to strive to improve not only their own lives, but also their compatriots, has become a sign of any formed democratic state. It is also called the only peaceful way and means of solving urgent problems in society.

Candidates for elective office offer their political programs of action to other citizens. In return, they receive support in the form of votes at elections at various levels and then try to fulfill their promises at the legislative level by directly exercising their powers in specific positions. The term and size of powers are also determined at the legislative level. The effectiveness of the electoral process can often be observed in those countries where there is a developed political market, which has full-fledged legislation on electoral systems, and the presence of a pronounced civil society. It should be presented in the form of various non-state formations, groups of people united by one goal and idea. Such institutions of the state should regulate the interests of citizens and exist in the idea of trade unions, funds, centers, associations and other clubs.

Election principles

Each country forms and regulates its own election procedure. It develops according to the development of the state and the traditions of the electoral right in a certain territory. The electoral legislation reflects the provisions on the procedure for nominating candidates, the requirements for candidates, the procedure for voting and counting votes, as well as the possibilities for using the services of the media and other sources of funding.

Elections are characterized by certain basic principles that make this procedure for the expression of the will of citizens unconditional and democratic. These universally recognized norms are of great value and are provided by the right to vote, where it is important to cast one's vote for the candidate.

Several basic principles of suffrage are outlined in the form of elections, which are a form of political participation:

electivity;
equal suffrage;
immediacy;
competitiveness.

At the constitutional level, the very principle of electivity is fixed. It exists in countries with a parliamentary system of government. The text of the main law of the country indicates that there is a universal way of general elections. All citizens of a particular state can take part in them both in an active mode in the form of voters, and in a passive one, where it is necessary to register as a candidate for a certain position and present their political program.

There are some restrictions on participation in elections for certain categories of citizens. They must reach a certain age, for which the electoral qualification is set, and people with mental disabilities are also excluded. In other cases, as a rule, the election process proceeds without additional restrictions.

Another principle is of equal suffrage. It means that deputies are elected to parliament, each of whom represents the same number of citizens. At the same time, each voter has the same share of participation in parliamentary elections.

The principle of immediacy of elections means that all voters have the full right to exercise their will without the participation of intermediaries or other representatives on their behalf.

In the process of holding democratic elections, an important aspect is their competitive nature. All competing political associations or single candidates have the right to present their program without restrictions and or to hold debates in the chosen dialogue format. This reduces the likelihood of external influence on voters.

Holding elections

Any elections are held at certain dates, which were previously designated in legislative documents. This period of time is called the election campaign.

The electoral process during this period is divided into a number of main stages:

the preparatory stage, which prepares a certain socio-political ground for direct elections;
nomination of candidates, which ends with their registration in special election commissions;
agitation and propaganda campaign;
direct voting and summing up the results of elections.

Also, the electoral process in different countries world may have its own specific features. They are established both in the will expression procedure itself and in the methods of calculating the results. There are two main systems for counting voters in the world. The most popular and transparent is the procedure where it is necessary to count ballots in a simple way. In this case, each vote of the participants in the elections is counted.

Remark 2

Some countries install a multi-stage system. Today, such systems are often used in the election of the upper houses of legislatures in France and the United States.

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