What is democracy in simple words? What is democracy short definition

The concept of democracy.

Translated from Greek, "democracy" means "power of the people" (demos - people, cratos - power). A more detailed definition of democracy, which has become a classic, was given by American President A. Lincoln in his famous Gettysburg speech (1863): government by the people, chosen by the people and for the people. But, despite the obvious interpretation of democracy as democracy, there are a number of problems related to the content and functioning of democracy. These questions are subject to considerable controversy, which is reflected in the emergence of various theories of democracy. Emphasis is placed on its various properties: freedom (liberalism), equality (Marxism), participation of the people in decision-making (participatory theory, or participatory democracy), competition for votes between elites (elite theories).

The first idea of democracy as a form of government arose in ancient Greece. Aristotle defined democracy as "rule by all". But when considering the history of the formation of democracy, it turns out that the concepts of "all" and "people" did not always coincide. Of all the past examples, the most democratic was "primitive democracy" where decisions were made by all adult members of the clan or tribe.

During the period of decomposition of primitive society, military democracy where the people, in other words, having the right to participate in government and administer justice, were limited only to armed men. In ancient Athens, which gave the world the experience of the first direct political democracy, the people were understood only as adult free men. It was they who had the right to personally participate in the work of the people's assembly and vote. Women, slaves, meteks (personally free settlers) had no political rights. Thus, in Athens, democracy extended only to a few thousand people. This power was far from perfect also because it suppressed dissent, taking the form of the tyranny of the "majority". So, the Athenian democracy sentenced Socrates to death, and could also betray any unpopular citizen to ostracism (expulsion from the city for a period of 10 years). It is known that the commander and politician Themistocles was expelled from Athens with the words: "You are better than us, but we do not need the best." The well-known supporter of Athenian democracy, Pericles, barely escaped this fate. Finally, we note that the democracy of antiquity existed at the expense of the institution of slavery. The category of citizens-people was just as narrow in medieval municipal democracies - in feudal city-republics.
The major events that laid the foundations of the democratic trend were the English Revolution (1688), the North American War of Independence (1775-1783) and the French Revolution (1789). In the documents adopted during this period: the Bill of Rights (England), the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights (USA), the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen (France, 1791) - democratic values and principles were put forward, which are also visible in the modern practice of the functioning of the system representation, relationships between branches of government and legislation in the field of human rights.
But democracy reached more mature forms in the middle of the 20th century, when equal civil and political rights for all strata of society became a reality. It should be noted that modern democracy differs from previous historical models in other essential features: the protection of human rights, the recognition of the right opposition(those currently in the minority) stand up for their opinion and criticize the government.
Modern politicians sometimes abuse the word democracy. Most modern parties contain the term "democratic" in their names. Almost all modern political regimes, even authoritarian claim to be democratic. Such arbitrariness in the use of the concept of "democracy" and the very variety of interpretations of its essence prompts certain authoritative scholars to conclude that democracy is "a concept that is resolutely indefinable" 1 . Nevertheless, political scientists and various international organizations use this concept, agreeing on the criteria that allow one or another regime to be classified as democratic.
What is modern political democracy ? In the most general terms, it can be defined as a regime in which the people have the opportunity to realize their will directly or through their representatives, and the authorities are responsible to citizens for their actions.
The essence of democracy is concretized in a certain set of values, institutions and procedures. Let's consider the main ones.
1. Sovereignty of the people. Recognition of this principle means that the people are the source of power, it is they who choose their representatives of power and replace them periodically. Recognition of this principle means that the constitution, the form of government can be changed with the general consent of the people and according to established procedures enshrined in law.
2. Periodic election of the main authorities allows to provide a clear legitimate mechanism for the succession of power. State power is born from fair elections, and not through military coups and conspiracies. Power is elected for a definite and limited period.
3. Universal, equal suffrage and secret ballot. Democratic elections imply a real competitiveness of various candidates, an alternative choice. The implementation of the principle "one citizen - one vote" reveals the meaning of political equality.

· 4. Guarantee of fundamental human rights. Human rights characterize the principles of relations between the state and citizens and are defined as freedoms. freedom - this is the protection of the individual from the arbitrariness of other people and power, protection from poverty and hunger. The preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, describes four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of belief, freedom from fear, and freedom from want. These and other freedoms are associated with several categories of rights.
5. Civil rights. These rights are used by people as individuals, and they protect citizens from the arbitrariness of the authorities. These include the equality of all citizens before the law, the right to privacy, the right not to be subjected to torture, punishment without trial, freedom of religion, etc.
6. Political rights give the citizen the opportunity to participate in the process of government and influence the decision-making of legislative and executive bodies: the right to elect and be elected, freedom of expression of political opinions, freedom to vote, the right to demonstrate, the right to create political and public organizations, the right to petition the authorities.
7. Social and economic rights. The realization of these rights is a necessary condition for ensuring political equality. This is due to the fact that the proclamation of political equality does not eliminate the established practice, when individual citizens, by virtue of their social status and wealth, have great opportunities to influence the government, using the media, direct contacts with government officials, and friendly ties for this. The realization of socio-economic rights is designed to smooth out the existing social inequality and thereby increase the activity of ordinary citizens in political life. Finally, these rights fix the conditions of life, which act as a kind of immunity against the fear of want, for example, the fear of unemployment, poverty. They include the right to a decent standard of living, guarantees of social protection, the right to education and participation in cultural life, and access to health care. The content of economic rights is fixed in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966). They include the right of every person to earn his living in the work he freely chooses, and the right to just and favorable conditions of life. The realization of these rights needs to be backed up by guarantees against discrimination in employment, wages based on gender, religion, race or language. Ensuring social and economic rights presupposes the activity of the state in the development and implementation of social programs.
Considering the prospects for the development of democracy, a number of authors point to the actualization in the future of the requirements for guarantees of equality in the field of ecology 2 .
It should be noted that freedom of speech, freedom of the press, access to the media are considered by the democratic public as necessary conditions for the realization of other rights. These freedoms allow citizens to criticize the government, protest against the violation of any individual and collective rights, and participate in debates on the most important social problems.
The democratic practice of recent decades has been characterized by the recognition of the need to guarantee the collective rights of religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities. They include guarantees against discrimination in any form, as well as the right to preserve one's identity. The Declaration of the UN General Assembly (1992) refers to these rights the following: to develop one's culture, to practice one's religion and rituals, to use one's language for communication, to take part in the decision-making process concerning this minority, etc.
Constitution - a document that establishes the rights and freedoms of citizens, the obligations of the state to protect these rights and provides a mechanism for resolving disputes between the individual and the state.
The principle of separation of powers on the legislative, executive and judicial in the construction of the state apparatus allows to avoid the possibility of abuse by any of the branches of government.
Presence of a developed system of representation(parliamentarism).
Political pluralism. It gives the opportunity to operate legally not only to political and social movements that support government policy, but also to opposition parties and organizations.
Democratic decision-making procedure: elections, referendums, parliamentary voting and etc.
Majority principle involves the adoption of decisions by a majority of votes with simultaneous recognizing the right of a minority to dissent. The minority (opposition) has the right to criticize the ruling power and put forward alternative programs, create their own associations.

Depending on the forms of participation of the people in the exercise of power, direct and representative democracy are distinguished.

1. Direct democracy. In direct democracy, there are no mediating links between the will of the people and its embodiment in decisions - the people themselves participate in the discussion and decision-making. In a similar form, democracy was realized in the Athenian polis. It is known that the People's Assembly usually met every nine days to make important decisions. A similar version of self-government is still used today in organizations and small territorial communities (cities, communities) in the form of meetings during which citizens discuss the problems of management, financing of public projects, and social programs. The prevalence of such a practice is limited by the territorial factor and depends on how decentralized the decision-making process is. Another form of direct democracy is the very process of elections, during which the will of the people is expressed in relation to their representatives in public authorities.

The legislation of many countries also provides for direct forms of citizens' participation in lawmaking - referendums and initiative movements.
Referendum , sometimes called a plebiscite (in literal translation - a people's decision), is a direct vote of the people on the most important state issues. There are two types of referenda. Some of them are a kind of opinion poll, according to the results of which laws are not adopted, but the authorities must take into account its results. For example, in March 1991, an All-Union referendum was held on the preservation of the USSR in an updated form; in April 1992 - the Russian referendum, during which the voters supported the policy of President B.N. Yeltsin. The results of referendums of a different kind have the value of law. With their help, constitutions or amendments to it, draft laws are approved. Thus, in December 1993, the draft of the new Constitution of Russia was approved by referendum, which ensured its legitimacy. World experience shows that the issues submitted to a referendum can be very diverse: replacing the monarchy with a republic (Greece, 1974), on the independence of a territory (Quebec, Canada, 1995), allowing divorce and abortion (Italy) .
Initiative - this is a procedure by which citizens propose to discuss an issue directly in a referendum or by legislative bodies. The initiative is implemented through the collection of a certain number of signatures of citizens in support of the referendum.
Other forms of democratic participation that allow citizens to influence government include demonstrations, rallies, processions, appeals to power structures at all levels and in the media.

2. Representative (representative) democracy. In a representative (representative) democracy, the will of the people is not expressed directly, but through the institution of intermediaries, which is why it is also called delegated democracy. Deputies, political leaders, having received a "mandate of confidence" from the people through the voting procedure, must embody this will in the laws and decisions being adopted. Between people's representatives and those whom they represent, relations are established based on the authority and responsibility of the authorities to the people.

The notion of democracy has long been discussed all over the world. Almost all countries try to comply with its principles. In this article we will consider such a topic "Democracy: concept and types." In addition, you will learn about the principles, forms and characteristics of this political regime.

Basic concept

So, we will consider the types of democracy a little later. First you need to understand the term itself. This is a specific form of government, which consists in the full participation of the citizens of the country in its leadership. It provides not only the existence of the necessary rights and freedoms, but also universal equality before the laws.

In a democratic society, democracy should be maximally developed. That is, all powers are not required to be concentrated in the hands of one person or group of people. The government elected by the people should be as open as possible to the people, report to them about its activities, strive for the development of the state.

Basic features of democracy

Without them, this form of government cannot exist. So, its characteristic features:

Democracy has a political and state character.
This form of government involves the guarantee and actual manifestation of all civil rights.
Compliance with established laws, mutual responsibility of the state and the people for encroachments on the rights and freedoms of people.

As you can see, these signs are not inherent in some other forms of exercising power, such as dictatorship.

Principles

Types of democracy are a very important issue not only for politicians, but also for ordinary people. However, it is equally interesting to learn about its principles:

Functions of democracy

Now let's figure out what exactly the presented form of government should implement. So, there are such functions of democracy:

Protective. It provides for the security, dignity and honor of every citizen. It contributes to the preservation of human rights and freedoms from encroachments of third parties.
Constituent. It provides for the formation of the state apparatus from the authorities and local self-government through elections or competitive selection.
Organizational and political. This function assumes people as
Regulatory. It provides for the work of all subjects of a democratic society, which are obliged to unite their efforts and interests in order to preserve the freedoms and rights of citizens.

Control. It provides oversight of the authorities, which must act within their powers and competencies.
stimulating. It provides for the maximum provision of the work of the state for the benefit of society. In this case, the opinion of the people must be taken into account. The activity of citizens in public life is encouraged.

Only democracy can provide this. You will consider the types and forms of this regime below.

Forms

So, there are only two of them:

As you can see, the very concept of what democracy is, its types and forms need to be known to every citizen. Every person has certain rights and freedoms that are protected by the state.

Types of Democracy

Now we need to consider another important issue. There are two types of democracy:

constitutional. It combines not only democratic principles, but also some signs of liberalism.
conservative. It is typical for some countries in which a significant role is played by long-standing traditions. This form of government is carried out in Great Britain.
Anarchist. It is based on the populist halo that rulers create.
polyarchic. Its characteristic feature is the presence of a large number of political centers that can make decisions. That is, power is dispersed.
Consensus. It is still being developed, but its main goal is to abandon the principle of the majority. Such a form of government should exist on mutual partnership, agreement, and compromise.

Now you know what democracy is, the concept, types and forms of this regime.

Quite a long time ago, the literature has repeatedly expressed the idea that democracy will naturally and inevitably become a consequence of the development of statehood. The concept was interpreted as a natural state that will come immediately at a certain stage, regardless of the assistance or resistance of individuals or their associations. The very first to use the term were ancient Greek thinkers. Let us consider further in detail, (basic concepts).

Terminology

Democracy is a concept introduced into practice by the ancient Greeks. Literally, it means It is a form of state government, which involves the participation of citizens in it, their equality before the norms of the law, the provision of certain political freedoms and rights to the individual. In the classification proposed by Aristotle, this state of society expressed the "power of all", which differed from the aristocracy and the monarchy.

Democracy: concept, types and forms

This state of society is considered in several meanings. So, democracy is a concept that expresses the way of organizing and working of government agencies and non-governmental organizations. It is also called the established and type of state. When they say they mean the presence of all these meanings. At the same time, the state has a number of distinctive features. These include:

Recognition of the people as the highest source of power.
Election of key state bodies.
Equality of citizens, first of all, in the process of exercising their electoral rights.
The subordination of the minority to the majority in the course of decision-making.

Democracy (the concept, types and forms of this institution) has been studied by various scientists. As a result of the analysis of theoretical provisions and practical experience, thinkers came to the conclusion that this state of society cannot exist without the state. The concept of direct democracy is distinguished in the literature. It involves the exercise of the will of the people through elected bodies. They are, in particular, local power structures, parliaments, etc. The concept of direct democracy involves the implementation of the will of the population or specific social associations through elections, referendums, meetings. In this case, citizens independently decide certain issues. However, these are far from all the external manifestations that characterize democracy. The concept and types of institutions can be considered in the context of certain spheres of life: social, economic, cultural, and so on.

State character

Many authors, explaining what democracy is, characterize the concept, the signs of this institution according to a certain system. First of all, they indicate belonging to the state regime. This is manifested in the delegation by the population of their powers to government agencies. Citizens participate in the administration of affairs directly or through elected structures. The population cannot independently exercise all the power that belongs to it. Therefore, it transfers part of its powers to state bodies. Election of authorized structures is another manifestation of the state nature of democracy. In addition, it is expressed in the ability of the authorities to influence the activities and behavior of citizens, to subordinate them to manage the social sphere.

The concept of political democracy

This institution, like a market economy, cannot exist without competition. In this case, we are talking about a pluralistic system and opposition. This is manifested in the fact that democracy, the concept and forms of the institution, in particular, form the basis of the programs of parties in their struggle for state power. In this state of society, the diversity of existing opinions, ideological approaches to solving pressing issues is taken into account. Under democracy, state censorship and diktat are excluded. The legislation contains provisions guaranteeing pluralism. These include the right to choose, secret ballot, etc. The concept and principles of democracy are based, first of all, on the equality of citizens. It gives the opportunity to choose between different options, directions of development.

Guarantee of realization of rights

The concept of democracy in society is associated with the legal possibilities of each citizen enshrined at the legislative level in various spheres of life. In particular, we are talking about economic, social, civil, cultural and other rights. At the same time, obligations for citizens are also established. Legality acts as a mode of socio-political life. It manifests itself in the establishment of requirements for all subjects, primarily for government agencies. The latter should be created and act on the basis of the steady and strict implementation of existing norms. Each state body, official should have only the necessary amount of authority. Democracy is a concept that is associated with the mutual responsibility of citizens and the state. It involves the establishment of a requirement to refrain from actions that violate freedoms and rights, create obstacles to the performance of duties by participants in the system.

Functions

Explaining the concept of democracy, it is necessary to say separately about the tasks that this institution implements. The functions are the key directions of influence on social relations. Their goal is to increase the activity of the population in the management of public affairs. The concept of democracy is associated not with the static, but with the dynamic state of society. In this regard, the functions of the institute in certain periods of historical development underwent certain changes. Currently, researchers divide them into two groups. The former reveal the connection with social relations, the latter express the internal tasks of the state. Among the most significant functions of the institute are:

social relations

The connection with them reflects the first three functions mentioned above. Political power in the state is organized on a democratic basis. Within the framework of this activity, self-organization of the population (self-government) is envisaged. It acts as a source of state power and is expressed in the presence of appropriate links between subjects. The regulatory-compromise function is to ensure the pluralism of the activities of the participants in relations within the framework of cooperation, consolidation and concentration around the interests of the population and the state of different forces. The legal means of ensuring this function is the regulation of the legal statuses of subjects. In the process of developing and making decisions, only democracy can have a socially stimulating effect on the state. The concept and forms of this institution ensure the optimal service of the authorities to the population, the consideration and application of public opinion, the activity of citizens. This is manifested, in particular, in the ability of citizens to participate in referendums, send letters, statements, and so on.

State tasks

The concept of "representative democracy" is associated with the ability of the population to form bodies of state power and territorial self-government. This is done by voting. Elections in a democratic state are secret, universal, equal and direct. Ensuring the work of state bodies within their competence in accordance with the provisions of the law is carried out through the implementation of the control function. It also presupposes the accountability of all parts of the country's administrative apparatus. The protective function of democracy is considered one of the key ones. It involves the provision by government agencies of security, protection of dignity and honor, freedoms and rights of the individual, forms of ownership, suppression and prevention of violations of the law.

Initial Requirements

They are the principles upon which the democratic regime is based. Their recognition by the international community is determined by the desire to strengthen the anti-totalitarian position. The key principles are:

Ways to implement the will of the population

The functions of democracy are carried out through its institutions and forms. There are quite a few of the latter. Forms of democracy are seen as its outward expression. The key ones include:

Participation of citizens in the management of social and state affairs. It is implemented through representative democracy. In this case, power is exercised by revealing the will of persons authorized by the people in elected bodies. Citizens can also participate in governance directly (through a referendum, for example).
Creation and operation of a system of state bodies based on publicity, legality, turnover, election, separation of powers. These principles prevent the abuse of social authority and official position.
Legal, first of all, constitutional consolidation of the system of freedoms, duties and rights of a citizen and a person, ensuring their protection in accordance with established international standards.

Institutes

They are legal and legitimate components of the system that directly form the democratic regime through the implementation of initial requirements. As a prerequisite for the legitimacy of any institution is its legal registration. Legitimacy is provided by public recognition and organizational structure. Institutions may differ in their original purpose in solving urgent state problems. In particular, there are:

Structural institutions. These include deputy commissions, parliamentary sessions, etc.
functional institutions. They are mandates of voters, public opinion, etc.

Depending on the legal significance, institutions are distinguished:

Self management

It is based on independent regulation, organization and activities of participants in civil relations. The population establishes certain rules and norms of behavior, carries out organizational actions. The people have the right to make decisions and implement them. Within the framework of self-government, the subject and object of activity coincide. This means that the participants recognize the authority of their own association only. Self-government is based on the principles of equality, freedom, participation in administration. This term is usually used in relation to several levels of bringing people together:

To the entire society as a whole. In this case, one speaks of public self-government.
to individual territories. In this case, local and regional self-government takes place.
to specific industries.
to public associations.

The power of the people as a social value

Democracy has always been understood and interpreted in different ways. However, there is no doubt that, as a legal and political value, it has become an integral component of the organization of the world. Meanwhile, there is no such final stage at which all its subjects would be satisfied. A person who experiences limitations enters into a dispute with the state, not finding justice in the legislation. The conflict arises when the inequality of merit and natural abilities is not taken into account, there is no recognition depending on experience, skill, maturity, etc. The desire for justice cannot be fully satisfied. In society, there must be a constant awakening of the will, the development of a desire to express one's opinion, views, and be active.

The intrinsic value of democracy is expressed through its social significance. It, in turn, lies in the service for the benefit of the individual, the state, society. Democracy contributes to the establishment of conformity between the actually operating and formally proclaimed principles of equality, freedom, and justice. It ensures their implementation in state and social life. The system of democracy combines social and power principles. It contributes to the formation of an atmosphere of harmony between the interests of the state and the individual, the achievement of a compromise between the subjects. Under a democratic regime, the participants in the relationship realize the benefits of partnership and solidarity, harmony and peace. The instrumental value of an institution is manifested through its functional purpose. Democracy is a way of solving state and public affairs. It allows you to participate in the creation of state bodies and local power structures, independently organize movements, trade unions, parties, and ensure protection from illegal actions. Democracy involves control over the activities of elected institutions and other subjects of the system. The personal value of the institution is expressed through the recognition of individual rights. They are formally enshrined in normative acts, actually provided through the formation of material, spiritual, legal and other guarantees.

Within the framework of a democratic regime, responsibility is provided for failure to fulfill duties. Democracy does not act as a means of achieving personal ambitious goals by infringing on the freedoms, interests, and rights of others. For the people who are ready to recognize the autonomy of the individual and his responsibility, this institution forms the best opportunities for the realization of existing humanistic values: social creativity, justice, equality and freedom. At the same time, the participation of the state in the process of providing guarantees and protecting the interests of the population is of undoubted importance. This is its main function in a democratic society.

In ordinary language about complex things

There is no need to think that democracy is something out of new history. The concept itself was introduced by the ancient Greeks about five hundred years BC. In direct translation from the Greek "demokratia" means "democracy". However, it should be noted that the Greek nobility pronounced it with a different meaning than today. According to the researchers, the aristocrats used these words to express contempt for commoners who got to the government. But be that as it may, the concept has firmly come into use and today it has a completely different color.

Since the time of ancient Rome, the founder of democracy, various peoples and states, one way or another, have tried to implement the principles of complete democracy. In Northern Europe, these were the Scandinavian countries. The Vikings held a meeting, the so-called Thing, at which all issues of government and foreign policy were decided. In another part of Europe, on the territory of modern Sweden, democracy gave rise to a new form - the republic, and later the confederation. And of course, England, which collected and improved the experience of its predecessors. A national parliament arose on its lands. Here, the free people and the nobility simultaneously participate in the government of the country. They are joined by regional and various national assemblies. All members of Parliament must be elected.

In simple words, democracy is a state structure in which all citizens manage their own order of life and influence public life. Each person has the right to free expression of will, the right to determine his choice and obligations, taking into account the interests of the whole society. Democracy gives the opportunity to participate in government and has equal rights regardless of age, gender and social status.

Main definitions

The concept of democracy today is interpreted in two directions. This is a way of regulating domestic and foreign policy, organizing the interaction of authorities within the country. Also called the type of statehood and the legal regime. Calling a country democratic, they mean the combination of these two concepts. So the people inside it is recognized as the highest power, and the state. the organs and administration of the country are elective. The main principles of full democracy can be considered:

Majority power.
The selectivity of power and the head of state, including.
Separation of power.
Law supremacy.
Protection of the rights and freedoms of everyone.
Equality.

There are two types of democracy - direct and representative. The first form implies that decisions are made directly by each citizen of the country. If citizens elect their representatives to government bodies, then this type will be called representative. As a rule, there are no countries with the manifestation of any one type of democracy. The symbiosis of the two forms is manifested in the ability of citizens to express their will in some matters directly. There are also other combinations of modes. England is a prime example of this phenomenon. It is in the form of a monarchical state, but in fact it is democratic. The head is a king, but he does not govern the country. Parliament is elected. who conducts the affairs of the state.

There are five stages in the development of democracy:

"Peace" is the first stage. The basic right of everyone is the right to survival and security. The development of a democratic society begins with the provision of primitive rights.
The second step is freedom. The state, striving for freedom of the individual, market and expression of will, is going through the next stage of development.
The right to "equality" defines the state at the third stage of perfection. Infringement of freedom, slavery are unacceptable.
“Brotherhood” is the fourth degree of development. Social equality and equality between people with different incomes speaks of a fairly high level of democracy. Equal chances within a country is a welfare state.
The pinnacle of evolution and the fifth stage in the development of democracy is "Environment". Humanity thinks about ecological reliability, protection of wildlife and habitat only when it is safe, well-fed and free.

Democracy does not have an unambiguous form and content.

All concepts are united by one essence - democracy and equality. But a person by nature is not born exactly the same. The talents, abilities and physical limitations of some lead to murmurings about the injustice in the distribution of goods and freedoms within society. Subordination to the majority becomes a stumbling block in this form of government. The conflict of interests and dissatisfaction of certain individuals leads to a reluctance to obey the general rules. Therefore, today there is no ideal democratic society.

I would like to finish with the wonderful words of Winston Churchill: "Democracy has many shortcomings, but there is also one advantage: so far no one has invented anything better."

Democracy (ancient Greek δημοκρατία - “power of the people”, from δῆμος - “people” and κράτος - “power”) is a political regime based on the method of collective decision-making with equal influence of participants on the outcome of the process or on its essential stages. Although this method is applicable to any social structures, today its most important application is the state, since it has great power. In this case, the definition of democracy is usually narrowed down to one of the following:
The appointment of leaders by the people they govern takes place through fair and competitive elections.
The people are the only legitimate source of power
The society exercises self-government for the common good and satisfaction of common interests
Popular government requires the provision of a number of rights for each member of society. A number of values are associated with democracy: legality, political and social equality, freedom, the right to self-determination, human rights, etc.
Since the ideal of democracy is difficult to achieve and subject to various interpretations, many practical models have been proposed. Until the 18th century, the best-known model was direct democracy, where citizens exercise their right to make political decisions directly, through consensus or through procedures for subordinating a minority to a majority. In a representative democracy, citizens exercise the same right through their elected deputies and other officials by delegating some of their own rights to them, while the elected leaders make decisions taking into account the preferences of those who are led and are accountable to them for their actions.
One of the main goals of democracy is to limit arbitrariness and abuse of power. This goal was often not achieved where human rights and other democratic values were not universally recognized or were not effectively protected by the legal system. Today, in many countries, democracy by the people is identified with liberal democracy, which, along with fair, periodic and universal elections of supreme powers in which candidates freely compete for the votes of the electorate, includes the rule of law, the separation of powers, and constitutional restrictions on the power of the majority through guarantees certain personal or group freedoms. On the other hand, left-wing movements, prominent economists, as well as such representatives of the Western political elite as former US President Barack Obama, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde argue that the realization of the right to make political decisions, the influence of ordinary citizens on the country's policy is impossible without ensuring social rights, equality of opportunity and a low level of socio-economic inequality.
A number of authoritarian regimes had outward signs of democratic rule, but in them only one party had power, and the policies pursued did not depend on the preferences of the voters. Over the past quarter century, the world has been characterized by a trend towards the spread of democracy. Among the relatively new problems facing it are separatism, terrorism, population migration, and the growth of social inequality. International organizations such as the UN, OSCE and EU believe that control over the internal affairs of the state, including issues of democracy and respect for human rights, should be partly in the sphere of influence of the international community.