People have heard the term “political system, ” but not everyone understands its meaning. And some generally confuse the concepts of "political system" and "state." In fact, although these concepts have much in common, they are not identical. By "political system" is meant the totality of interactions between government and members of society. These interactions can take many forms, from democracy to totalitarianism.
Instruction manual
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Since ancient times, as soon as people had some rudiments of statehood, the first political systems began to arise. They were based, first of all, on moral values and norms, religious views, habits, customs of each particular society. Since there are no two absolutely identical societies, political systems always have their differences (albeit sometimes insignificant). Of course, a whole series of factors, primarily economic and social, have a very great influence on the formation of the political system.
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The political system implies the continuous mutual influence of the state apparatus and society - both in general and each of its representatives. Depending on what form a particular political system has, it can be attributed to one of 4 main varieties: democracy, theocracy, authoritarianism and totalitarianism.
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Democracy (in Greek means “the power of the people”) implies that the bearer of power is a people who can exercise their power both directly - for example, by open voting on some important issue, and by transferring their powers to elected deputies. Any official must come to power as a result of free, fair elections. If the activities of the chosen one disappoint voters, they should have a legal opportunity to deprive them of power.
4
Theocracy (from the ancient Greek "power of the gods") is a form of political system in which religious figures play a decisive influence on state policy and on all aspects of society. Of the modern states, the Vatican is the most famous theocracy. Significant signs of theocracy exist in Iran, Saudi Arabia and some other states.
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Authoritarianism means a form of political system in which the state-society relationship has a significant priority for the interests of state structures. The powers of society, in particular in matters of the free election of carriers of power, are significantly limited.
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The highest form of authoritarianism is totalitarianism, which means global control of state structures literally over all aspects of society, associated with severe coercion, as well as violence.
