A political regime is understood as a system of methods and ways of exercising power by the state. This concept is quite broad in its content. In general, it reflects the functions of the state machine, as well as the form of exercising power. One of the political regimes prevalent in the world today is called democratic.
Instructions
Step 1
A democratic regime is typical for countries where the economy is oriented towards social needs. Typically, such states have a strong and large middle class. The governing bodies in a democratic society carry out their functions, guided by the constitution, the fundamental law of the country. A developed democracy is characterized by a balanced system of separation of powers.
Step 2
The main source of power in a democracy is the popular masses. At the same time, the equality of all citizens before the law and the election of the main governing bodies of the state are respected. Voting decisions in elections are made by a simple or qualified majority. This is the ideal model of a democratic political regime. As an example of countries with developed democracies, political scientists usually cite the United States, France and a number of other European powers.
Step 3
There are also countries with a so-called authoritarian regime. Its main difference from democracy is the widespread use of methods of coercion, although certain features of democracy and liberal values in society may be present at the same time. Elections are also considered the norm, but they are limited and mostly formal. Authoritarianism is characterized by the predominant role of the executive rather than the legislative branch.
Step 4
A totalitarian political regime is also sharply different from democracy. In such states, power is almost entirely built on sophisticated methods of coercion: ideological, psychological, and even physical. Elections are not provided for by law. Power in a totalitarian state is usually in the hands of a sole ruler or an elite group, which is often disguised as party-state bodies.
Step 5
Thus, the main difference between a democratic regime and other systems of government is the implementation of genuine, rather than formal, democracy. Power in a democracy is based solely on legal methods. At the same time, the norms of law ideally correspond to the opinion and expression of the will of the majority of the country's citizens who have the right to vote.
Step 6
Another distinctive feature of a democratic state is the guarantees of civil, political, as well as personal human rights and freedoms. Democracy is a strong state and a developed civil society, in which everyone feels not only free, but also responsible for the state of affairs in the country.
