Name two functions of political parties not named in the text.
Read the text and complete tasks 21-24.
In modern science, political parties are defined as organizations seeking the election or promotion of their leaders to public office. Modern legislation provides for the following features of a political party: it is a freely created autonomous organization operating on the principles of self-government; a sustainable organization that unites citizens on a permanent basis; association in the party occurs on the basis of ideological factors - the commonality of beliefs and goals of its members, which is expressed in its program provisions; this is a non-profit organization that does not pursue the goals of making a profit, although its individual divisions may be engaged in production activities to meet the needs of the party; an organization built and operating on democratic principles and on the basis of publicity, publicity, openness; parties contribute to the formation and expression of the political will of the people, using peaceful and constitutional means, in particular participation in elections. In countries of totalitarian socialism, civil servants are expected to be members of the ruling communist party, although there is no such legal obligation.
Laws on political parties contain rules on the finances and property of parties. First, they establish the sources of funding: contributions, property income, gifts, loans. Secondly, parties are required to keep records of all incoming contributions and donations, income and expenses. Thirdly, the laws of many countries provide for state financial support for election campaigns conducted by parties. For this, funds are allocated from the state budget. Such funding can be provided to all parties or only to parties that receive a certain percentage of the vote in an election.
Classification of parties is possible on a variety of grounds. These can be conservative parties that advocate the preservation of the old order, oppose reforms (the Conservative Party in the UK); clerical (religious) parties (Christian Democratic Union in Germany); liberal parties advocating freedom of economic activity, non-interference of the state in public life; reformist parties that act under the slogans of socialism for social justice while maintaining private property (social democratic parties in Europe); radicalist parties advocating a radical reorganization of state power. From the point of view of the organizational structure, it is customary to distinguish between cadre parties, mass parties and movement parties. From the point of view of the peculiarities of the legal status, parties are distinguished between registered and unregistered, legal and illegal. Legal parties are parties that operate legally. The party becomes illegal if it is prohibited by law, by a court decision, but continues its activities underground.
Explanation.
Functions of political parties:
− present their candidates to constituency voters;
− campaign for the election of their candidates;
- Attract the masses to their side.
Other features:
- political socialization (citizen N. began to understand politics, to understand it better when he became a supporter of the party);
- a political party represents the interests of a certain ideology (the conservative party of country Z stands for respect for traditions, the importance of religion).
1. Expand the meaning of the concept.
^ Civil society -
2. Using the text of the textbook, formulate the main goals of civil society.
3. Write down the differences between formal and informal organizations.
Select examples of formal and informal organizations from the list below and write their numbers on the appropriate lines.
Examples: 1) a trade union of metallurgists; 2) yard football team; 3) Association of Russian University Teachers; 4) club of preparation for the birth of a child; 5) association of neighbors in the entrance; 6) non-state center of children's creativity; 7) dacha cooperative; 8) an association of homeowners; 9) democratic political party; 10) non-state pension fund; 11) the Union of Entrepreneurs of Russia; 12) a fund for helping children in difficult life situations; 13) organization of war veterans; 14) city union of composers.
Formal:
Informal:
4. Students of one of the Russian universities discussed what civil society is. Read the opinions expressed and comment on them. Answer questions and complete assignments.
"Civil society is a society where a person is the highest value, where his rights are recognized, respected and protected." Do you share this opinion? Argument your position.
“For me, civil society is, first of all, a society in which everyone is responsible for their own actions, without shifting their responsibility to anyone else.
I also believe that the existence of civil society is determined by the existence of the so-called middle class. I would like to add that the middle class is not only material well-being, but also a certain spiritual level.”
How do you understand the connection between the responsibility of the citizen and the functioning of civil society?
Why should members of civil society be involved in ongoing events, even if they do not affect the personal interests of citizens?
How is the existence of the middle class related to civil society?
“In my understanding, in civil society, a legal relationship between a person and the state is established, the state protects the citizen, and he, using his rights, in turn, performs certain duties, which consist mainly in observing the laws.”
Using all the above opinions, draw a conclusion about what civil society is.
5. In 2007, one of the public opinion research foundations conducted a survey among Russian citizens on the topic: “Is there a civil society in Russia?”
The survey results are presented in the form of a diagram. Read them, complete the tasks and answer the questions.
Difficult to answer
25%
| 33 | Not |
| 25 | There is |
| 42 | Difficult to answer |
Formulate the results of the survey:
Citizens who denied the existence of a civil society in Russia cited the following arguments: a) people are divided, everyone cares only about himself; b) there is no national idea; c) poverty, people live poorly, there is no care for people; d) there is no law and order in the country; e) human rights are not respected; e) social stratification is great.
Which of these arguments really applies to civil society? Enter only letters.
Briefly explain your choice.
Citizens who recognized the existence of a civil society in Russia gave the following arguments: a) there are laws in Russia, law and order are observed; b) there is a people - there is a civil society, it exists in any country; c) we have a democracy in our country; d) we have patriotism, social cohesion.
Which of the arguments has nothing to do with civil society?
Briefly explain your choice.
Suggest why a significant number of citizens surveyed found it difficult to answer.
How would you answer this question of sociologists if you took part in the survey? Why?
6. Read the extracts from the text of the Federal Law "On the General Principles of Organization of Local Self-Government in the Russian Federation", answer the questions and complete the assignments.
Chapter 5. Forms of direct implementation by the population of local government and participation of the population in local government.
Article 27. Territorial public self-government.
1. Territorial public self-government is understood as the self-organization of citizens at their place of residence on a part of the territory of a settlement for the independent and under their own responsibility to implement their own initiatives on issues of local importance.
The boundaries of the territory on which territorial public self-government is exercised are established by the representative body of the settlement at the suggestion of the population living in this territory.
Territorial public self-government is carried out in settlements directly by the population through holding meetings and conferences of citizens, as well as through the creation of bodies of territorial public self-government.
Territorial public self-government may be exercised within the following areas of residence of citizens: the entrance of an apartment building; apartment building; a group of residential buildings; residential area; a rural locality that is not a settlement; other areas of residence of citizens.<...>
The conference of citizens on the organization and implementation of territorial public self-government is considered competent if at least two thirds of the delegates elected at the meetings of citizens, representing at least half of the inhabitants of the relevant territory who have reached the age of sixteen, take part in it.<.>
8. Bodies of territorial public self-government:
represent the interests of the population living in the relevant territory;
ensure the execution of decisions taken at meetings and conferences of citizens;
may carry out economic activities for the improvement of the territory, other economic activities aimed at meeting the social and everyday needs of citizens living in the relevant territory, both at the expense of these citizens, and on the basis of an agreement between territorial public self-government bodies and local self-government bodies using funds local budget;
shall have the right to submit to local self-government bodies drafts of municipal legal acts subject to mandatory consideration by these bodies and officials of local self-government, whose competence includes the adoption of these acts.
Plan your text.
What does the law call territorial local self-government?
Where, according to the law, is territorial local self-government exercised?
What ways of exercising territorial local self-government are provided for by law?
Fill in the table on the areas of activity of territorial local self-government, based on the content of the document.
6) Make a conclusion about the role of territorial local governments in the development of civil society.
Topic 6. Participation of citizens in political life
1. How can a citizen exercise his right to participate in the management of state affairs?
2. Using the text of the textbook, explain the basic principles of suffrage in a democratic society.
Universal suffrage -
Equal suffrage -
Direct elections -
3. Explain the difference between elections to the authorities and a referendum.
4. Read the results of sociological surveys and complete the tasks.
1) Citizens answered the question: “The results of which elections most influence your life and the state of affairs in the country?” The survey results are presented in the form of a table. Read them carefully, complete the tasks and answer the questions.
| ^ Answer options | Influence (% of respondents) |
|
| for my life | for the life of the country |
|
| Presidential elections | 23 | 54 |
| Parliamentary elections (elections to the State Duma) | 4 | 11 |
| Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of the Regions | 5 | 3 |
| Elections to local governments | 27 | 10 |
| Doesn't affect at all | 20 | 12 |
| Everyone influences | 7 | 3 |
| Difficult to answer | 14 | 7 |
Which elections, according to the respondents, have the greatest impact on their lives? Explain why.
Which elections, according to the respondents, have the greatest impact on the life of the country? Explain why.
What is the difference between citizens' assessment of the impact of any election on their life and the life of the country?
Is it right to conclude that a significant part of citizens do not see the impact of elections on their lives and the life of the country? Justify your answer using the survey data.
2) In many cases, citizens are dissatisfied with the politicians they voted for in elections. Citizens answered the question: “Who should be blamed for this in the first place?”
The survey results are presented in the form of a diagram. Read them carefully and complete the tasks. 
Guess what explains the opinion of the interviewed citizens.
5. Read the extracts from the text of the Federal Law "On the Referendum of the Russian Federation", answer the questions and complete the assignments.
The referendum, along with free elections, is the highest direct expression of the power of the people. The state guarantees the free expression of the will of the citizens of the Russian Federation at the referendum of the Russian Federation, the protection of democratic principles and legal norms that determine the right of citizens to participate in the referendum. The referendum of the Russian Federation cannot be used for the purpose of adopting decisions that contradict the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as for the purpose of limiting, canceling or derogating from the universally recognized rights and freedoms of man and citizen, constitutional guarantees for the exercise of such rights and freedoms.
^ Chapter 1. General Provisions
Article 1. Referendum of the Russian Federation
Article 2. Principles of holding a referendum
The referendum is held on the basis of universal, equal, direct and free expression of the will of the citizens of the Russian Federation by secret ballot.
Citizens of the Russian Federation have the right to participate in a referendum regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, property and official status, place of residence, attitude to religion, beliefs, membership in public associations, as well as other circumstances.
Citizens of the Russian Federation participate in the referendum on an equal footing. Each participant in the referendum has an equal number of votes.
A citizen of the Russian Federation shall vote for the issue(s) submitted to the referendum or directly against it(them).
The participation of a citizen of the Russian Federation (hereinafter also referred to as a citizen) in a referendum is free and voluntary. No one has the right to influence a citizen with the aim of forcing him to participate or not to participate in a referendum, to put forward an initiative to hold a referendum, to prepare and hold a referendum, or to hinder his free expression of will.
Voting at a referendum (hereinafter referred to as "voting") is secret, excluding the possibility of any control over the expression of the will of a citizen of the Russian Federation, including monitoring the filling in by a referendum participant of a ballot for voting at a referendum at a place for secret voting.
How do you understand the phrase "a referendum ... is the highest direct expression of the power of the people"?
What questions, according to the law, cannot be submitted to a referendum?
How does the law protect the equality of citizens during a referendum?
What does the norm prescribed in paragraph 4 of article 2 of the law mean?
Why is the participation of citizens in the referendum declared voluntary?
6. What question or problem would you address to the state authorities? Compose an appeal to government authorities on any issue that interests you.
Topic 7. Political parties and movements
1. Expand the meaning of the concepts.
Socio-political movement -
Political Party-
2. What are the main differences between a socio-political movement and a political party?
3. The most important functions of political parties in modern society are listed below. Give examples of the implementation of each function. Fill the table.
Before starting the tasks, remember the meaning of the concepts. Consult a dictionary if necessary.
"goal"
"socialization"
"mobilization"
"elite"
4. Read the text and do the tasks.
Citizens of democratic states are called to the ballot boxes every few years to cast their vote in favor of representatives of a particular party or political movement, which, in the opinion of voters, express their interests. If voters are close to a political ideology that advocates the preservation of the existing social order, primarily moral and legal relations embodied in the nation, religion, marriage, family, property, then they give their votes to the conservative party. Supporters of the liberal party proceed from the premise that there can be no political freedom where the state completely controls the economy, leaving no room for private initiative; at the same time, there can be no true economic freedom if there is no political freedom and human rights are not respected. For liberals, the idea of individual autonomy and its primacy in relation to society and the state is decisive.
An adherent of such values as freedom, justice, solidarity, equality, collectivism, such ideas as the socialization of property within the framework of a mixed economy, the widespread use of mechanisms for state regulation of the economy, the creation and development of a social security system, will vote for social democratic or communist parties that occupy respectively "center-left" and "left" positions of the party-political spectrum. (According to the materials of the open Internet encyclopedia "Wikipedia")
1) Fill in the table.
Formulate the results of the survey.
Suggest a reason for this result.
What problems of your locality, region could become the basis of the program of the regional branch of a political party? Make a campaign leaflet for the regional branch of this political party.
Explain the meaning of the statements.
“The party is organized public opinion” (B. Disraeli).
^ Questions for the final lesson on the chapter "POLITICS"
1. Briefly answer the questions.
1) What relations in society are regulated by politics?
9) What is the difference between elections and referendum?
10) What organization is called a political party?
2) What are the main features of political power?
3) What is called the sovereignty of the state?
4) What are the main types of political regimes?
5) What types of democracy exist? How do they differ?
6) What are the most important features of the rule of law?
7) What is called civil society?
8) How can citizens participate in the political life of society?
2. Complete the tasks and answer the questions. For each question, circle the number of the one correct answer.
a) The field of activity associated with the implementation of generally significant interests with the help of power is called
law 3) economics
politics 4) sovereignty
b) Are the following statements about the separation of powers correct?
A. The principle of separation of powers presupposes the dominance of the legislative power over the executive.
B. The principle of separation of powers is mandatory for a democratic state.
only A is correct
only B is correct
both statements are correct
both statements are wrong
c) What distinguishes the state from other political organizations?
exclusive right to legislate
determination of the prospects for the development of society
development of political programs
promotion of political leaders
d) What characterizes a democratic regime?
command and control management methods
comprehensive control of the state over the life of society
dominance of the executive
equality of citizens before the law
e) Are the following statements about the referendum correct?
A. The referendum is aimed at the free expression of the will of citizens on the most important issues for the whole society.
B. A referendum, like an election, involves voting for candidates or parties.
only A is correct
only B is correct
both statements are correct
both statements are wrong
3. In each of the tasks, write down the correct answer.
A) The above list shows the similarities and differences between absolute and constitutional monarchy. Select and write down in the first column of the table the serial numbers of the similarities, and in the second column - the numbers of the differences.
Legislative power is in the hands of the monarch
sole head of state
hereditary succession of power
government's responsibility to parliament
b) Find in the list below the features characteristic of a parliamentary republic, and circle the numbers under which they are indicated.
1) The President is elected by popular vote; 2) the government is formed by the party that won the elections; 3) the president is not given the right to dissolve parliament; 4) the president is the head of state and executive power; 5) the government is responsible to the parliament; 6) there is a post of prime minister. Write the circled numbers in ascending order.
C) Establish a correspondence between the signs and forms of government: for each position given in the first column, select the corresponding position from the second column.
^ Signs Forms of State
devices
1) a single structure of the state A) a unitary state
Throughout the country B) a federal state
there are two levels of government
bicameral structure of parliament
administrative-territorial entity
association of entities with relative
Write in the table the selected letters under the corresponding numbers.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
d) Below are a number of provisions. All of them, with the exception of one, relate to the internal functions of the state. 1) Protection of law and order; 2) formation of the state budget; 3) ensuring state sovereignty; 4) development of international cooperation; 5) implementation of social policy.
Find and write down the number of the position that falls out of this row.
4. The following situation is described in the novel of a science fiction writer: “The television screen worked not only for reception, but also for transmission. He caught every word as long as it was not whispered too softly; moreover, as long as Winston remained in the field of view of the cloudy plate, he was not only heard, but also seen. Of course, no one knew whether they were watching him at the moment or not. How often and on what schedule the thought police are connected to your cable - one can only guess about this. It is possible that they followed everyone - and around the clock.
Which political regime corresponds to this situation?
5. In state Z, the president is the head of state, and powers in the exercise of executive power are divided between the president and the government. The government is formed by the president from representatives of the party that won the parliamentary elections with a vote of confidence in the parliament.
What is the form of government of State Z?
6. Read the extracts from the text of the Federal Law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation", answer the questions and complete the task.
Chapter I. General Provisions
Article 9. Citizenship of children
2. For the acquisition or termination of citizenship of the Russian Federation by a child between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, his consent is required.
The citizenship of the Russian Federation of a child cannot be terminated if, as a result of the termination of the citizenship of the Russian Federation, he becomes a stateless person.
The citizenship of a child does not change when the citizenship of his parents deprived of parental rights changes. In the event of a change in the citizenship of a child, the consent of his parents deprived of parental rights is not required.
Article 14
6. The citizenship of the Russian Federation is accepted in a simplified manner ... a child and an incapacitated person who are foreign citizens or stateless persons:
A) a child, one of whose parents has the citizenship of the Russian Federation, - at the request of this parent and with the consent of the other parent, for the child to acquire citizenship of the Russian Federation. Such consent is not required if the child lives on the territory of the Russian Federation;
B) a child whose only parent has the citizenship of the Russian Federation - at the request of this parent;
C) a child or an incapacitated person who is under guardianship or trusteeship - at the request of the guardian or trustee who has the citizenship of the Russian Federation.
1) What conditions determine the citizenship of children?
2) Can it be said that when deciding on the citizenship of children, Russian legislation seeks to take into account the interests of the child as much as possible? Argument your point of view.
3) A citizen of the Russian Federation married a citizen of Spain, they had children in Russia. A few years later, the couple divorced, the father left for his homeland. The mother and children remained in Russia. Children are considered citizens of what state? Underline the relevant article in the text.
7. Citizens interviewed at the exit from one of the polling stations motivated their participation in the elections in the following way:
Every citizen must participate in elections.
It is necessary to participate in elections in order to change the situation in your region, country for the better.
If I do not participate in the elections, my vote can be used to rig the results.
I always participate in elections.
By voting, I can express my protest against the policy of the authorities.
You need to participate in elections, otherwise there will be no democracy.
As a result of the elections, new people will come to power.
All my relatives and friends participate in the elections.
By participating in elections, I can help a candidate who is sympathetic to me, close in the views of the party.
Which of the above arguments for participation in the elections do you consider the most serious? Why?
8. Participants of the TV talk show discussed the problem "Youth and Politics". The main dispute flared up when discussing the question of whether young people under twenty-five should actively participate in the political life of the country, in the exercise of political power.
Opponents of the active participation of young people in politics expressed the following considerations: “Young people are not yet ripe for such a thing, there is no life experience”; “politics is the business of older people”; “unconscious, cannot make independent decisions”; “Young people have a strong herd instinct and can be easily controlled”; “they don’t understand politics yet”; “young people have bad views on life, they want to have everything at once, and do nothing for this”; “they don’t care about anything, they only have entertainment on their minds”; “Young people should go to school, what policy?”; “Let them get down to business, we already have enough talkers”; “You need to work, not engage in politics”; "What's the point of them? They will not be given freedom of action anyway”; “adults behave incorrectly in politics, and young people are all the more exposed to extremism”; "Politics should be handled by professionals, the participation of the young is civic activism."
Formulate the main arguments against the active participation of young people in politics and give counterarguments. Fill the table.
Conclude whether young people should actively participate in the exercise of political power.
^ CHAPTER II. RIGHT
To understand what universal parties are, it is necessary to trace the development. Let's touch on it briefly, highlighting the semantic points. The fact is that the universal parties are the product of modernity. They appeared as a result of some political evolution. This happened naturally, given the objectives of these organizations. But first things first.
The emergence of parties
In its modern form, they began to appear in the nineteenth century. They were formed in two ways: electoral and external. In the first case, the party was organized, as they say now, from below. The leader united the masses with the help of an idea. The second is the forced formation of a social movement based on the same interests. It was carried out by those forces that were already present in parliament.
From this information, one simple conclusion must be drawn: for the existence of a political party, a platform is needed, an idea that unites people on voluntary principles. These were the interests of strata and groups of the population. For example, the bourgeoisie, workers, peasants, industrialists, aristocracy and so on. Organizations were antagonistic, that is, unifying ideas were in conflict. Universal parties have a serious difference from them. They strive to gather as many fans as possible in various walks of life.
Political parties, their functions, signs and types
It should be noted that there are quite a lot of organizations of this kind. All of them share:
- by class - peasant, worker, bourgeois;
- by organizational structure - hierarchical, centralized, and so on;
- according to the ideological criterion - conservative, revolutionary, reformist.
It should be noted that the classification is very conditional. If you look from the point of view of the position in society, then the ruling ones are distinguished and some of them operate illegally, others operate in the legislative field. Sometimes political forces are classified by membership: collective and individual. Each political force has several signs at the same time. The main functions of these organizations are:
- struggle for representation in the authorities;
- recruiting new members and educating leaders from among them;
- work with public opinion: study and formation in accordance with your idea.
Features of political parties
In modern society, there are many organizations and associations. Not all are political forces. The party has the following features, which are indirectly reflected in the legislation:
- Participation in the pursuit of power.
- The presence of a specific ideological orientation.
- Providing comprehensive support to the population.
- Creation of organizational structure and acquisition of legal status.
In order to explore how universal parties differ from others, we need to understand two things.
- Social forces strive for power.
- They need to have as many followers as possible.
The political struggle in its modern form is losing the features of a class struggle. To be successful, you need to interest the broad masses, going beyond those strata of society that created the party. This is the hallmark of universality.
The evolution of ideas
Previously, the birth of political forces was the path of a few. Technologies have now been created that allow any active citizen to get involved. By the way, this is often used by those who wish to have access to legislative activity and influence on parliament. Universal parties are political forces that unite people with different views. Agree, it's not easy, but not impossible. You just need the right idea that can "ignite people's hearts." Today's Russia can serve as an example. They are trying to create universal parties in the country on the principles of patriotism. Citizens may have different, even mutually exclusive interests. But most people love their Motherland. They want to be proud of their country, to see it strong and developed. Peasants and residents of megacities, oligarchs and poor workers, teachers and rentiers who live on dividends gladly join such a universal party of patriots. In other countries, they form their own ideas.
Universal parts: examples
The Italian political scientist J. Sartori noted that society is now becoming more complex, its social structure and demographic composition are changing. From this he concludes that the role of the parties is changing. Now they do not represent the interests of classes and sections of the population in the generally accepted form. There is a process of socio-psychological penetration of parties into society. In his opinion, universal parties are distinguished by pragmatism. They are aimed at successful electoral activity. They are based on the principles of balancing different interests. In Europe, these forces are the social democratic parties. The political scientist also named among the universal British conservatives and American Republicans. These forces are trying to attract as many people from various social groups as possible into their ranks. They work to ensure that their interests do not come into conflict.
The role of universal parties in society
These organizations appeared in the process of evolution of the political process. They have their positive and negative features. The benefits of universal forces are to increase competitiveness in any election. They have more adherents, therefore, their leaders have a serious chance of winning. In addition, the desire for balance contributes to the development of other ideas, the development of society itself, which should also be attributed to positive aspects. The negative side so far has to be recognized is that these organizations cannot, due to understandable circumstances, satisfy all adherents when they come to power. They have to constantly balance. Sometimes this leads to decisions that do not suit the majority of the electorate. Discontent in society in this case will grow, which will lead to a crisis. Look at the modern European Union, which does not have the strength to overcome the flow of migrants. This is a typical case of the impossibility of working out a solution that suits everyone.
Conclusion
The undoubted advantages of inclusive (universal) parties will lead to the fact that they will oust other forces from the political arena. Rather, everyone else will acquire their traits. For a political party, one of the most important conditions for existence is the electoral base. Balance, renunciation of commitment to one class layer gives generalists more chances to win power. If you look further, then after a certain time the parties will no longer differ from each other. And this is the way to the death of the political process. It's probably natural, like evolution. Or maybe they'll come up with something different. We'll see!
The success of any political party in society depends on many factors. Among them, it is necessary to note such as the form of government (presidential or parliamentary republic) and the type of national-territorial structure of the state (unitary or federal), within which it functions, the specifics of electoral legislation, the regime of government, etc. All this has an impact on the program, pre-election activity, daily activities of parties after summing up the results of the elections.
The nature of a political party is most clearly manifested through its functions:
1) Struggle for power (peaceful redistribution of power between various social forces makes it possible to avoid social upheavals when the balance of political forces changes). Winning the election allows you to form a government and start realizing the interests represented through public policy.
2) Social representation. Each party strives to unite, as far as possible, wide sections of society and represent various social groups, since success in elections can only be ensured by the party that will express not narrow group, but national interests.
3) Social integration. Achieving agreement with the existing system, social conformism, reconciliation of the interests of conflicting social groups.
4) Political socialization of citizens. The inclusion of a person in the world of politics through the formation of value orientations, social and political attitudes, the skills of socio-political activity, the formation of public opinion in order to provide ideological support for the party and discredit its political opponents.
5) Political recruiting, the formation of the ruling elite. Training and promotion of personnel and coordination of their work in state authorities, public organizations and movements.
6) Development and implementation of a political course (it is necessary to formulate disagreements with other political forces on the main issues of social development).
In order to effectively implement these functions, political parties need material resources. Sources of funding for political parties can be grouped into the following three groups:
Own party funds. They are formed at the expense of entrance and membership fees, deductions from the salaries of leading party members, income from property and entrepreneurial activities. There are some restrictions here. For example, in Slovakia, political parties are prohibited from having property abroad, in Egypt and Ethiopia - to engage in entrepreneurial activities. In addition, this side of the activities of political parties can lead to the fact that, while engaging in entrepreneurial activities, parties merge with financial and industrial capital.
Private financing. It includes voluntary donations of individuals and legal entities. Most democratic states legally limit or completely prohibit financial support for political parties from charitable and religious organizations, state enterprises, anonymous sponsors, from abroad. So, in the USA, Israel is forbidden to accept assistance from private legal entities (societies, organizations, firms, etc.). Sometimes the law determines both the amount of donations and the specific activity to be financed.
State funding. The state provides direct financial support to those parties that have passed the electoral threshold. There is a practice of distributing finances depending on the number of votes received by the party in elections (Germany, Sweden). In Denmark, Finland, Italy, the amount of financial assistance is determined by the number of received deputy mandates. In addition, there is also indirect state support for political parties. Parties are provided with free airtime, places for publications and statements in the media, etc.
The leadership of a political party must publish reports on the sources of financial income, expenditure of funds, property of the party. Almost all countries have limits on campaign spending.
LECTURE #7
Topic: Political parties and party systems.
Target: reveal the concept, origin, functions of political parties. Give a classification of political parties. Analyze the types of party systems. To characterize the process of forming a multi-party system in Ukraine.
Lesson type: lecture.
Plan
1. Concept, origin, classification and functions of political parties.
2. Party systems and their typology.
3. Formation of a multi-party system in Ukraine.
1. Concept, origin, classification and functions of political parties.
In the life of modern society, one of the most prominent places belongs to political parties. Parties act as a very essential, and sometimes decisive element of the political system of society. They are the spokesmen for the interests and goals of certain classes and social groups. Parties take an active part in the functioning of the mechanism of political power or have a certain influence on it. An essential aspect of their activities is the ideological impact on the population, the formation of political consciousness. Political Party - This is a voluntary association of people based on ideological and political values, representing certain social classes, social groups and strata, striving to realize common interests and goals by conquering political power or participating in it.
Power is the ultimate goal of any party, a tool for realizing the interests of those social groups or classes that are its social base. Whatever tasks the party sets for itself - building communism or saving the environment - it achieves power with their help, the formation of its own government or the inclusion of its representatives in a coalition government. Being the ruling party, the party strives to use all state power in the interests of those social-class forces that it represents. This is what distinguishes the party, for example, from public organizations and movements, lobbying formations, which are also actively involved in political life, but do not aim to gain and use political power. Thus, the fundamental difference between parties and social movements is that parties fight for participation in the exercise of state power, while movements do not claim direct participation in it and do not take on the duties associated with it. In addition, political parties, compared with social movements, are a higher and more stable organizational form.
To main features political parties are:
Active participation in the political struggle;
Having a membership;
A certain social base;
Presence of a political program and charter;
The commonality of interests and the closeness of the ideological views of people united in the party;
The presence of one or more leaders.
The first ideas about parties are associated with the names of such great thinkers and politicians as C. Montesquieu, J.-J. Rousseau, E. Burke and others. The problem of political parties took an important place in the works of famous scientists of the early XX century: M. Weber, M. Ostrogorsky, R. Michels, G. Mosca.
When did political parties emerge?
Information about the first party formations refers to Ancient Greece. So, Aristotle speaks of the parties of the valley, the mountains, meaning, of course, not parties in the modern sense of the word, but political unions. These were relatively few and narrow unions or groupings that were not stable and were not firmly institutionalized. This kind of education existed in the Middle Ages.
Political parties in their modern sense first arose in Europe in the second half of the 19th century, and then in other parts of the world. The introduction of universal suffrage, the emergence of parliaments and parliamentarism as a form of organization and exercise of state power had a direct impact on their birth. Initially, in capitalist society, political parties were created mainly by various groups of the bourgeoisie, as well as by its opponents from among the feudal-aristocratic strata. Subsequently, mass parties began to emerge to defend the interests of wage earners. In a democratic society, parties are the most important link connecting people, parliament and government. It is through parties that state bodies can turn to the masses for support, and the masses, in turn, can influence the work of parliament and government, and the process of their formation.
In the history of the formation of parties M. Weber identifies three stages: aristocratic group, political club, mass party . Such a division of parties in political science is generally recognized. However, we note that only two English parties passed through all the stages of development according to this classical scheme: the liberal (Whig) and the conservative (Tory). For the most part, the formation of parties followed different paths. The first mass political party was founded in England in 1861. It was called the Liberal Election Registration Association. One of the first political organizations of the proletariat was also the "Union of Communists", created by K. Marx and F. Engels in 1847. in London. His program was written by K. Marx and F. Engels "Manifesto of the Communist Party", published in 1848. The motto of the "Union of Communists" was the slogan "Proletarians of all countries, unite!". An important stage in the formation of the parties of the working class was the creation in 1864. International Association of Workers - I International.
Classification (typology) of political parties.
Here, much depends on the criteria that are taken as the basis of typology: character, goals, tasks, conditions of activity, class interests, etc.
If, for example, the character, the tasks of their activities (orientation) are taken as the basis for the classification of parties, then all existing parties are usually reduced to the following types: revolutionary, standing for deep, fundamental changes in social relations; reformist, advocating moderate changes in various spheres of society, not encroaching on the foundations of the system; conservative, standing in positions of conservation , standing on the positions of preserving the main features of modern life; reactionary, setting themselves the task of restoring old structures.
There is a Marxist analysis of parties and a party classification. The defining role in them is assigned to the class character of the criteria, according to which bourgeois, petty-bourgeois, peasant and proletarian parties.
Depending on participation in the exercise of power, parties are divided into ruling and opposition parties. ruling parties have the majority of seats in parliament, form the government, are distinguished by great conservatism. They strive to preserve the status quo, to prevent sudden and rapid changes. Opposition parties , on the contrary, they are dynamic. They tend to criticize the current government and advocate for reform.
Political parties can also be divided into parties worldview and interest parties . In the first case, we are talking about the establishment of a certain social order. They, as a rule, clearly imagine one or another model of social structure and strive to put it into practice. An example of a party of this kind can be considered the Bolshevik Party, which sought to destroy the "old world" and build a fundamentally new society on its ruins.
The main goal of the party of interests can be considered upholding the positions of a particular social group. It is a matter of honor to win a "place in the sun" for those sections of society on the basis of which it was created. This allows, in turn, to divide the parties of interest into workers, peasants, intelligentsia parties etc. Such parties have become less and less in recent years. This is due to the fact that people gradually come to realize their common interests, regardless of their social affiliation.
Parties are often placed on the scale of the political spectrum from right to left: right, centrist, left . In contemporary politics "leftists" it is customary to consider parties that advocate the implementation of communist, socialist, social democratic ideals, the transfer of the means of production to public ownership, and firm social guarantees. "Rights" parties traditionally advocate a strong state that preserves private property and the established social system. An intermediate place between the "left" and "right" is occupied by the parties "center".
According to the conditions of activity, parties can be divided into legal, semi-legal and illegal . The former are officially permitted, registered and operate within the framework of the law, the latter are not registered, but not prohibited, and finally, the third are prohibited by the state and operate by non-traditional methods, often in conflict with constitutional norms. The latter include, as a rule, those parties that come out with slogans of forcibly changing the existing system.
Functions of political parties
First, the definition of the development goal. In developing their programs, the parties seek to justify the direction of the strategy for the development of society and the ultimate goal;
Secondly, the expression and association of public interests. Separate groups of citizens can also express interests, but only parties bring them together and in a form that directly influences the decisions of state bodies;
Thirdly, the mobilization and socialization of citizens. The parties are called upon to strengthen the political activity of citizens and create the basis for long-term political activity;
Fourthly, in the conditions of a democratic political system, the formation of the ruling elite and the composition of the government (the latter is of decisive importance, without this function, the effective operation of any party is impossible);
Fifth, holding election campaigns. The parties are called upon to act as the main organizers and actors, without handing over this matter to the power structures, the bureaucratic apparatus (officialdom);
Sixth, exercise control over power. This means not allowing one person or group of people to usurp power. Democracy does not bind the future to one person, it is the expression of the will of the majority, its realization through this majority.
The main way of carrying out these functions is the pre-election campaign, the nomination by the party of its candidates for legislative bodies, for the government. Let's say, with the beginning of the election campaign, each party launches an agitation and propaganda campaign, during which it seeks to most attractively present its program goals and objectives, its candidates, and win over as many voters as possible to its side. In this case, various forms and methods of work are used: oral and printed propaganda and agitation, television, radio, etc. Elections are the most active phase of activity.
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