Passive and active suffrage

Politics in one form or another is an integral part of every citizen's life, because the economic and social situation in the country influences the state of society. Moreover, in most developed countries there is democracy, and a person can directly participate in the life of his country. To ensure this right, certain legal norms have been introduced. They are necessary to neutralize unrest and to establish maximum equality.

The voting right is the established legal norms that are aimed at regulating the participation of citizens in such a procedure as elections. In addition, the laws in question affect the rules for conducting elections, the procedure for recalling officials, the relationship between representative organizations and voters. Legal norms also determine the sequence of elections and the rules for finalizing the results of voting.

Practically in any country there is an active and passive electoral right, which allows to contribute to the political situation to every citizen. Let us analyze the meaning of these terms.

Active suffrage implies the possibility of a person to participate in the election of various officials and deputies. Also, a citizen can vote in referendums, that is, each individual, after reaching the age of 18, has the right to elect any officials. Why is this right called active? The point is that in order to elect an official, a person needs to take certain actions. In particular, fill out the received newsletter and put it in a special box.

Active suffrage is valid for virtually all citizens of the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, language, race, position, nationality, origin and so on. However, here it is worth noting some nuances. Persons who are in penal colonies and citizens recognized as legally incompetent are not eligible to be elected.

Active suffrage can be either direct or indirect. In the first case it is assumed that the deputies will be elected directly by citizens. Indirect law implies that people nominate electors who are required to decide whom to choose. Such a system is most popular in developed countries.

Passive suffrage is an opportunity for a citizen to nominate his or her candidacy for an elective office. There are some limitations. In each country they are their own. For example, in the US only a citizen who has reached the age of 35 can become president.

Universal suffrage means granting to all adult and capable citizens of the country the possibility of electing an official. In addition, the principle of universality implies a passive suffrage given to a person who has passed all established qualifications. Such a right began to be used in practice only in the twentieth century. Previously, there were property and gender qualifications.

Let's sum up. Passive and active suffrage allows every citizen to take a direct part in the political life of the country. Such legal norms are a necessary sign of a developed state. Despite the fact that practically any person can use electoral rights, with the exception of some cases, there are certain rules that exclude the possibility of disorder. In particular, these are the qualifications and limitations. In the modern world, they are extremely flexible and democratic. However, such legal norms were introduced not so long ago. Previously, the qualifications were tough enough.