What types of political system are most popular today?

The concept of a political system arose in political science as far back as the middle of the twentieth century and implies a cumulative set of institutional bodies and legal norms that determine the life of society. First of all, of course, in the political sphere (except for it there is a cultural, social and economic), that is The relationship between the government and the people, the transfer of power, their implementation, and so on. At the same time, the types of political systems of society were singled out , each of which had characteristic features in the exercise of power. A variety of states and countries have passed completely unique historical paths. Not surprisingly, the specific experience of societies in different parts of the world gave them completely different types of political system. For example, democracy could not originate in the depths of eastern tyranny and became a logical result of the development of capitalism.

Politic system. Concept and types

Modern political scientists distinguish three main types that exist in the world today.

Types of political system: democracy

The basis of this system is the principle of collective solutions. Once she was born in ancient Greek policies and was characterized by a meeting of all citizens of the city (Eclessia) for making important decisions, as well as for electing a council of archons - a kind of governing body. However, today, as a rule, the states are very large for such a simple single meeting. And yet the basic principles of democracy have been preserved. Moreover, it developed through the experience of state building and the theoretical works of thinkers of the New and Newest Times. The modern democratic system presupposes the obligatory separation of the branches of power in order to avoid its usurpation, the regular re-election of each of these branches and government positions, the equality of all before the law, regardless of property or official position. The main thing in this concept is that the people are recognized as the supreme bearer of power, while any government body is only its servant. This presupposes the right of the masses of the people to retaliate in the event that the government leaves the law.

Types of political system: authoritarianism

Despite the mechanisms in democratic systems of protection from the usurpation of power, the latter sometimes happens. It may be, for example, the result of a military coup, or it may not be a result of democracy, having been formed in the state on the site of archaic forms (for example, the monarchy that has retained its positions to the present day). Authoritarianism is characterized by the concentration of all government powers in the hands of one person or a group of like-minded people. Often it is accompanied by a violation of human and civil rights, the lack of real opposition in the country and so on.

Types of political system: totalitarianism

At first glance, this system is very similar to authoritarianism. However, if it is held by the force of military bayonets and the suppression of political freedoms, then totalitarianism has a profound control over the social and spiritual life of society. A person here from an early age through various state organizations is brought up in the conviction that this power and this path are the only true ones. Because, paradoxically, often totalitarian systems are characterized by greater legitimacy than authoritarian ones.