Give examples of the implementation of each function. Law is the sum of generally binding norms and rules of conduct established by the state

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 operates, the specifics of electoral legislation, the regime of government, etc. All this has an impact on the program, pre-election activity, and daily activities of parties after the election results are summed up.

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 avoids social upheavals when the balance of political forces changes). Winning an election makes it possible to form a government and begin to implement the interests represented through public policy.

2) Social representation. Each party strives to unite the widest possible strata of society and represent various social groups, since success in elections can only be ensured by a party that expresses national interests rather than narrow group ones.

3) Social integration. Achieving agreement with the existing system, social conformity, reconciliation of conflicting interests social groups.

4) Political socialization of citizens. Inclusion of a person in the world of politics through the formation of value orientations, social and political attitudes, social skills political activity, formation of public opinion in order to ensure ideological support for the party and discredit its political opponents.

5) Political recruitment, formation ruling elite. Training and promotion of personnel and coordination of their work in bodies state power, public organizations and movements.

6) Development and implementation political course(it is necessary to formulate disagreements with other political forces on basic issues of social development).

In order to effectively implement these functions, political parties need material resources. Sources of financing for political parties can be grouped into the following three groups:

Own party funds. They are formed from entrance and membership fees, deductions from the salaries of leading party members, income from property and business activities. There are some restrictions here. For example, in Slovakia, political parties are prohibited from having property abroad; in Egypt and Ethiopia, they are prohibited from engaging in entrepreneurial activity. In addition, this aspect of the activities of political parties can lead to the fact that when engaged in entrepreneurial activities, parties merge with financial and industrial capital.

Private financing. This includes voluntary donations from individuals and legal entities. Most democracies legislate or prohibit financial support for political parties from philanthropic and religious organizations, state enterprises, anonymous sponsors, from abroad. Thus, in the USA and Israel it is prohibited to accept assistance from private legal entities (societies, organizations, firms, etc.). Sometimes both the amount of donations and the specific activities to be financed are determined by law.

Government 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 a party in elections (Germany, Sweden). In Denmark, Finland, and Italy, the amount of financial assistance is determined by the number of parliamentary mandates received. In addition, there is also an indirect governmental support political parties. Parties are provided with free airtime, space 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, and property of the party. Almost all countries have restrictions on spending on election campaigns.

LECTURE No. 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. Characterize the process of formation of a multi-party system in Ukraine.

Type of lesson: 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 significant and sometimes decisive element political system society. They are exponents of the interests and goals of certain classes and social groups. Parties take an active part in the functioning of the mechanism political power or have a certain influence on it. An essential aspect of their activity is the ideological influence on the population and the formation of political consciousness. Political Party is a voluntary association of people based on ideological and political values, representing certain social classes, social groups and strata striving for the realization of common interests and goals by gaining political power or participating in it.

Power is the ultimate goal of any party, an instrument 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 environment, - with their help, she seeks power, the formation of her own government or the inclusion of her representatives in a coalition government. Being the ruling party, the party strives to use all state power in the interests of those social and class forces that it represents. This distinguishes the party, for example, from public organizations and movements, lobbying formations, which are also actively involved in political life, but do not set as a goal the conquest and use of political power. Thus, fundamental difference between parties and social movements is that parties fight for participation in the exercise of state power, and movements do not claim direct participation in it and do not take on related responsibilities. In addition, political parties, compared to social movements, are a higher and more stable organizational form.

TO main features political parties include:

Active participation V political struggle;

Availability of membership;

Certain social base;

Availability political program and charter;

Community of interests and similarity of ideological views of the 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, like C. Montesquieu, J.-J. Rousseau, E. Burke and others. The problem of political parties occupied a significant place in the works of famous scientists of the early 20th century: M. Weber, M. Ostrogorsky, R. Michels, G. Mosca.

When did political parties emerge?

Information about the first party formations refers to Ancient Greece. Thus, Aristotle speaks of parties of the valley and mountain, meaning, of course, not parties in the modern sense of the word, but political unions. These were relatively few and narrow in composition unions or groupings that were not stable and were not firmly institutionalized. Such formations also existed in the Middle Ages.

Political parties in their modern sense first emerged in Europe in the second half of the 19th century, and then in other parts of the world. Their birth was directly influenced by the introduction of universal voting rights, the emergence of parliaments and parliamentarism as a form of organization and exercise of state power. Initially, in capitalist society, political parties were created mainly by various groups of the bourgeoisie, as well as its opponents from among the feudal-aristocratic strata. Subsequently, mass parties began to emerge defending the interests of hired workers. IN democratic society parties are the most important link connecting the people, parliament and government. It is through parties that government bodies can turn to the masses for support, and the masses, in turn, can influence the work of parliament and government, the process of their formation.

In the history of the formation of parties M. Weber distinguishes three stages: aristocratic group, political club, mass party . This division of parties in political science is generally recognized. However, we note that only two English parties went through all stages of development according to this classical scheme: liberal (Whigs) and 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 Partnership. 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 the “Manifesto of the Communist Party” written by K. Marx and F. Engels, published in 1848. The motto of the "Union of Communists" was the slogan "Workers of all countries, unite!" An important stage on the path to the formation of working class parties was the creation in 1864. International Workers' Association - First International.

Classification (typology) of political parties.

Here, much depends on the criteria that are taken as the basis for typologization: character, goals, objectives, conditions of activity, class interests, etc.

If, for example, the character and objectives of their activities (direction) are taken as the basis for the classification of parties, then all existing parties are usually reduced to the following types: revolutionary, behind deep, fundamental changes in public relations; reformist, advocating moderate changes in various spheres of social life, without encroaching on the foundations of the system; conservative, standing in conservation positions , standing in the position of preserving the main features modern life; reactionary, setting themselves the task of restoring old structures.

There is a Marxist analysis of parties and party classification. The decisive role in them is given to class character criteria according to which bourgeois, petty-bourgeois, peasant and proletarian parties.

Depending on their participation in the exercise of power, parties are divided into ruling and opposition. Ruling parties have a majority of seats in parliament, form a government, and are distinguished by great conservatism. They strive to maintain the existing state of affairs and prevent sudden and rapid changes. Opposition parties , on the contrary, they are dynamic. They tend to criticize the existing government and advocate reform.

Political parties can also be divided into parties ideological And interest parties . In the first case we're talking about about the establishment of a certain social order. They, as a rule, clearly imagine one or another model social order 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 interest parties can be considered defending the positions of one or another social group. Its point of honor is to win a “place in the sun” for those sections of society on the basis of which it was created. This, in turn, makes it possible to divide interest parties into workers, peasants, intelligentsia parties etc. There are more similar parties in last years less and less. This is due to the fact that people gradually come to realize their common interests, regardless of their social affiliation.

Parties are often placed along the political spectrum from right to left: right, center, left . IN modern politics "left" It is generally accepted to consider parties that advocate the implementation of communist, socialist, social democratic ideals, the transfer of the means of production to public property, hard social guarantees. "Rights" parties traditionally defend a strong state that preserves private property and the established social system. Parties occupy an intermediate place between the “left” and “right” "center".

According to the conditions of activity, parties can be divided into legal, semi-legal and illegal . The first are officially permitted, registered and operate within the framework of the law, the second are not registered, but are not prohibited, and finally, the third are prohibited by the state and operate by unconventional methods, often in conflict with constitutional norms. The latter include, as a rule, those parties that come out with slogans of violent change in the existing system.

Functions of political parties

First, defining the development goal. When developing their programs, parties strive to justify the direction of the social development strategy and the ultimate goal;

Secondly, the expression and unification of public interests. Interests can also be expressed separate groups citizens, but only parties bring them together and in a form that directly influences decisions government agencies;

Thirdly, mobilization and socialization of citizens. The parties are called upon to strengthen political activity citizens and create a basis for long-term political activity;

Fourthly, in 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 activity of any party is impossible);

Fifthly, conducting election campaigns. Parties are called upon to act as the main organizers and actors, without leaving this matter to the power structures, the bureaucratic apparatus (bureaucrats);

Sixth, exercising control over power. This means not allowing one person or group of people to usurp power. Democracy does not bind the future with one person; it is an expression of the will of the majority, its implementation through this majority.

The main way to carry out these functions is the election campaign, the party’s nomination of its candidates for legislatures, to the government. Let's say, with the beginning of the election campaign, each party launches an agitation and propaganda campaign, during which it strives to present its program goals and objectives, its candidates, in the most attractive way, and to win 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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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 that seek the election or promotion of their leaders to government posts. Modern legislation provides for the following characteristics 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 an ongoing basis; unification into a party occurs on the basis of ideological factors - the community of beliefs and goals of its members, which is expressed in its program provisions; is a non-profit organization that does not pursue profit-making goals, although its separate divisions can engage in production activities to meet the needs of the party; organization built and operating on democratic principles and on the basis of transparency, publicity, openness; parties contribute to the formation and expression political will people, using peaceful and constitutional means, in particular participation in elections. In totalitarian socialist countries, civil servants are expected to be members of the ruling communist party, although legal duty this kind does not exist.

Laws on political parties contain rules on the finances and property of parties. First, they establish sources of financing: contributions, income from property, donations, 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 purpose, 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 votes in the elections.

Classification of parties is possible on a variety of grounds. These may be conservative parties, advocating the preservation of the previous order, opposing reforms (Conservative Party in Great Britain); clerical (religious) parties (Christian Democratic Union in Germany); liberal pro-freedom parties economic activity, non-intervention of the state in social life; reformist parties that advocate social justice under the slogans of socialism while maintaining private property (social democratic parties in Europe); radical parties advocating a radical restructuring of state power. From point of view organizational structure It is customary to distinguish between cadre, mass and movement parties. From the point of view of the peculiarities of the legal situation, parties differ between registered and unregistered, legal and illegal. Legal parties are parties that operate legally. A party becomes illegal if it is prohibited by law, court decision, but continues its activities underground.

Explanation.

Functions of political parties:

− present their candidates to district voters;

− conduct campaigns 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 advocates respect for traditions and the importance of religion).

Concept of a political party means a special type of public organization whose task is to take part in the management of the state or bodies local government(a city, for example). The party may also aim to completely seize state power.

The first political parties in the modern sense appeared in the 19th century in some Western countries after the introduction of universal voting rights: Progressive Party of Germany, Belgian liberal party etc.

An interesting fact is that more than a third of Russians, according to surveys, do not understand what political parties are for. To do this, consider the goals and functions of political parties.

Functions of political parties.

1. Formation of public opinion.
2. Political education of citizens of the state.
3. Expressing citizens' positions on social issues.
4. Communicating this position to the public and authorities.
5. Nominating your candidates for elections at various levels.

Types of political parties.

According to social class criterion:

1. Bourgeois parties (consisting of representatives of business, entrepreneurs).
2. Workers (representatives of workers, peasants)
3. Reconcilers (from various representatives of all classes).

On party organization:

1. Personnel parties - consisting of professional politicians or parliamentarians and having a group of leaders. They are most active during elections. The target audience is representatives of the elite. Funded from private sources.
2. Mass parties are centralized organizations with statutory membership. Funded by membership fees. Numerous and have a target audience masses.

By degree of involvement in government:

1. The ruling ones are those who have a majority in parliament.
2. Opposition - opponents ruling parties constituting a minority in parliament.
3. Non-participants are those who did not receive a sufficient number of votes in the elections.

1. Left (communist and socialist, or having a corresponding bias).
2. Right (nationalist, or with a nationalist bias, as well as conservative and liberal).
3. Centrists (democrats).
4. Mixed.

According to the structure of the organization:

1. Classic type - with a clear organization and permanent membership.
2. Movement type - membership in them is formal.
3. Political clubs - free membership.
4. Authoritarian-proprietary type - a party of one person, the author of the party’s ideology and its main representative (for example, the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc or the Radical Party of Oleg Lyashko).

By type of ideology:

1. Liberal parties. Aimed at minimal government intervention in public and personal life.
2. Democratic parties. They stand for democracy.
3. Social democratic parties. Are in favor of government regulation public life.
4. Communist parties. For complete equality, public property, government control over social and economic life.
5. Nationalist parties. The ideology of the domination of the nation in the life of the country.
6. Clerical parties. Church and religious ideas and norms.
7. Green parties. Ecological component of political ideology.
8. Fascist parties. Elimination of freedoms, suppression of human personality.

Often a particular type of political party is associated with certain colors and sometimes emblems. For example, it is generally accepted that all communist (left) parties are associated with the color red. Conservative parties, as a rule, are blue or blue-black, the Social Democrats are pink, and the liberals are yellow. The color of the green parties is obvious, while the color of the monarchists is white (sometimes purple). Brown, black, red-black - the colors of fascists and neo-Nazis. Another popular type of color is the color of the national flag. These colors are most popular in Ukraine.

The key feature of such a phenomenon as political parties is that they become intermediaries between society and the state. Political parties are highest form organization of political activity (compared to other group subjects of political activity - mass movements, public organizations, pressure groups, etc.). In addition, political parties are also the most organized form of social activity.

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 universal parties are a product of modernity. They appeared as a result of some political evolution. This happened naturally given the missions of these organizations. But first things first.

The emergence of parties

IN modern form 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 forced formation social movement, based on the same interests. It was carried out by those forces that were already present in parliament.

From this information it is necessary to draw one simple conclusion: for a political party to exist, it needs a platform, 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. The organizations were antagonistic, that is, the unifying ideas were in conflict. Universal parties have a serious difference from them. They strive to gather as many fans as possible from various walks of life.

Political parties, their functions, characteristics and types

It should be noted that there are quite a lot of organizations of this kind. Everyone shares them:

• by class - peasant, worker, bourgeois;
• by organizational structure - hierarchical, centralized, and so on;
• according to ideological criteria - conservative, revolutionary, reformist.

It should be noted that the classification is very conditional. If we look from the point of view of the situation in society, then we distinguish the ruling ones and some of them operate illegally, others act in the legislative field. Sometimes they classify political forces by membership: collective and individual. Each political force has several characteristics at the same time. The main functions of these organizations are:

• struggle for representation in government;
• recruiting new members and developing leaders from among them;
• work with public opinion: study and formation in accordance with your idea.

Traits of political parties

IN modern society There are many organizations and associations. Not everyone is a political force. The party has the following features, which are indirectly reflected in the legislation:

1. Participation in the desire to gain power.
2. The presence of a specific ideological orientation.
3. Providing full support to the population.
4. Creation of an organizational structure and acquisition of legal status.

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.

Political struggle in its modern form is losing its class features. To be successful, you need to interest the broad masses, going beyond the boundaries of those layers of society that created the party. This is the sign of versatility.

Evolution of ideas

Previously, the birth of political forces was the path of a few. Nowadays, technologies have been created that allow any active citizen to engage in By the way, this is often used by those who want to have access to legislative activity and influence on parliament. Universal parties are political forces that unite people with different views. Agree, the matter is not simple, but not impossible. You just need the right idea that can “ignite people’s hearts.” An example is today's Russia. 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 homeland. 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 living on dividends are happy to join such a universal party of patriots. Other countries are forming their own ideas.

Universal parties: examples

Italian political scientist G. Sartori noted that society today is becoming more complex, it is changing social structure, demographic composition. From this he concludes that the role of parties has changed. 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 activities. They are based on the principles of balancing various interests. In Europe, such forces are social democratic parties. The political scientist also named British conservatives and American Republicans among the universal ones. These forces are trying to attract into their ranks as many as possible more people from various social groups. They work to ensure that their interests do not conflict.

The role of universal parties in society

These organizations appeared in the process of evolution political process. They have their positive and negative traits. The benefits of universal forces are increased competitiveness in any election. They have more followers, therefore, their leaders have a serious chance of winning. In addition, the desire for balance contributes to the development of other ideas and the development of society itself, which should also be considered a positive aspect. Negative side for now we have to admit 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. In this case, discontent in society will increase, 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 inability to work out a solution that suits everyone.

Conclusion

The undoubted advantages of all-inclusive (universal) parties will lead to the fact that they will displace political arena other forces. Or rather, everyone else will begin to acquire their features. For a political party, one of the most important conditions for its existence is its electoral base. Balance and refusal to adhere to one class stratum gives the generalists a better chance of gaining power. If you look further, after a certain time the parties will no longer differ from each other. And this is the path to the death of the political process. It's probably natural, like evolution. Or maybe they'll come up with something else. We'll see!