"If you disagree with the foreign policy of your country, you should shut up and be silent." Those who disagree with the Kremlin, or Who is the real opposition in Russia? Political party as opposed to the state

Is politics a noble occupation or a "dirty business"?
Why can't a society live normally without power?
Are political parties useful?
Can an ordinary citizen influence politics?

Sphere of politics. This theme gives an idea of the political life of society. We hear the word "political" every day: a political organization, a political club. Newspapers and radio talk about politics, about political news. The word "political" means "related to politics, to the implementation of politics."

What is politics? This word is of Greek origin, and it meant the art of government, state affairs. And in our time, the word "politics" has become broader in its meaning. In previous topics, it was said that society has a complex structure. Various relations develop between different social classes, large groups of people occupying a certain position in society, between nations and states. Politics is the activity associated with the relations between large social groups, social strata, nations. But you already know that these relationships cover various areas, such as the economy. Thus, economic relations take place between the feudal lord who owns land and the exploited landless peasant. And if relations between social groups concern power, the state, then there are relations in the sphere of politics. This means that politics is participation in the affairs of the state: determining the form of the state, the tasks, the content of its activities. (You will get acquainted with the material on the state in the next paragraph.)

Remember how states arose in the ancient world (Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome) and in the Middle Ages. State power allowed slave owners and feudal lords to subjugate the masses of slaves and peasants to their will.

In different social groups, in accordance with their position, there arises a different attitude towards the state, towards the government. Hence the struggle for influence on state affairs. All this is the realm of politics.

Political power. When we talk about power in general, we understand it like this: someone exercises power, that is, rules, manages, gives orders, and someone obeys, carries out these orders. We encounter such relationships in life all the time: for example, between an officer and a soldier, a traffic police inspector and a car driver, a teacher and a student. Power in these cases is not unlimited, it is limited to strictly defined functions of an officer, inspector, teacher. But within the framework of these functions, each of the named employees has the right to give orders, orders, make demands, and the soldier, or the driver, or the student is obliged to obey these requirements. When necessary, those in power can apply sanctions (i.e., punish someone who does not follow orders, or perhaps reward them for following them in good faith).

Political power extends to the whole society, its orders, directives (guidelines), requirements do not apply to individuals, but to large social groups, to everyone living within the borders of a given state. In turn, all those to whom the demands of the authorities relate are obliged to fulfill them; those individuals or groups that rule have the opportunity to rely on the power of the state and, if necessary, to force submission to their will, using the courts, the police, the army. Of course, it is better if the rulers have authority, the population readily obeys their demands.

Political power plays a big role in any modern society. The tasks that it performs affect various spheres of social relations. It is the political power that governs society as a whole. It determines the main directions of the country's development, develops and adopts decisions aimed at eliminating urgent problems. Power carries out daily management of the most important processes occurring in society. Among the tasks performed by the authorities is the maintenance of stability, the prevention of social upheavals that pose a threat to the life and well-being of citizens.

So, power is the most important element of social organization. It allows, if necessary, to force large masses of people to perform certain tasks and decisions. Therefore, in society there is a struggle for power and its use for the implementation of a particular policy..

Political organizations. In its desire to influence state power, each social group proceeds from its own interests. Of course, each person has personal interests, but large groups have common, group interests. Let us recall the contradictions that capitalism gave rise to at the dawn of its development. If the workers are compelled to sell their labor power, then they are all interested in selling it more dearly, i.e., in getting higher wages. The capitalists, on the other hand, sought to make large profits and, consequently, pay the workers less. In this case, the struggle between workers and capitalists is economic. But when the interests of the workers or capitalists want to be promoted, put into practice through state power, then the struggle between them passes into the realm of politics. Politics is the goals and means of achieving them, which are aimed at putting into practice the interests of large groups of people through the state.

Who expresses the interests of this or that social group? Who determines the goals and methods of struggle for the common interests of the people in this group? Can all the workers of the country, for example, get together and determine the tasks and methods of struggle for their interests? Or all capitalists? Obviously this is not possible. And not everyone wants to do it.

Active representatives of various social groups unite in political organizations expressing the interests of these groups and participating in political life. Various public associations, clubs, unions, mass movements set themselves certain goals and seek to influence the authorities in one way or another. Some of these movements solve limited problems and do not last long. Political parties play the largest role in the political struggle. How are they different from other organizations?

Firstly, a political party strives not only to participate in political life, but also to gain power or participate in the exercise of power in order to achieve its goals using the possibilities of power.

Secondly, a political party, unlike temporary associations, sets itself long-term goals and exists for a fairly long period of time.

Third, a political party has not only central, but also local organizations, i.e., as a rule, a clear organizational structure, fixed by the party charter.

Fourth, a political party, unlike political clubs and circles, seeks to create a mass support for itself, that is, to spread its influence over a large number of people, and, as a rule, to achieve the support of voters in elections to representative bodies of power.

Fifth, a political party unites people who have close views on social problems, united by a single idea about the state and social structure; ideas common to party members are usually presented in the party programme.

Parties substantiate political goals, develop ways of fighting for power, and strive to win the support of large masses of people.

Since social groups are diverse, their interests are also diverse. In those countries where there are conditions for the expression of these interests (ie, in democratic countries), there are not one, but several different political parties. At the same time, they compete with each other in the struggle for influence on voters.

When one party is in power, which pursues a certain policy (or, as they say, a political line), then other parties that disagree with this policy criticize the ruling party, being in opposition to it. They develop their own political line as a possible option instead of the one pursued by the authorities. By criticizing the policy of the ruling party and offering voters its own version of the policy, the opposition hopes to come to power in the next elections.

The activity in the country of several political parties competing for votes is called a multi-party system.

In the modern world, there are a large number of political parties in various countries. Among the parties in the United States, two are especially influential - the Republican and the Democratic; there are also two leading parties in Great Britain: the Conservative and the Labor Party, the largest labor party in the country.

in our country at the beginning of the 20th century. There were also several parties. In the future, for many years there was only one party - the communist. At present, new political parties have emerged that seek to ensure that the people vote for their representatives in elections in order to influence the activities of government bodies through them.

The role of politics in society. Politics plays a big role in the development of society. Much depends on the policy pursued by the state, the government: better or worse will be the living conditions of various social groups, their well-being, whether cultural achievements will become available to them, the degree of their freedom will increase or it will be completely eliminated.

There have been many governments in history whose policies have served the interests of a minority and infringe on the rights of the majority of people. A truly democratic state is called upon to take care of all social groups, to take into account the interests of all nations and nationalities. However, the methods, sequence, and pace of solving the problems facing society may be different. Therefore, political disputes and discussions arise: what social groups need priority assistance? What economic policy will bring the fastest improvement in the life of the people? How can the interests of some nationalities be taken into account without infringing on the interests of others? How to ensure the external security of the country?

The solution of these and many other questions in politics determines whether people will live better or worse in the future. Therefore, disputes on various political issues, political struggle occupy a prominent place in the life of society and are reflected in the pages of newspapers, television screens, at rallies and meetings. Ultimately, supporters of various political decisions, various political organizations strive for the state to pursue a policy that meets their interests. Why? Because the state disposes of huge monetary and material resources, issues laws that are binding on all citizens, and has the power to stop the violation of the law.

Today, the main question of Russia's political life is the question of the ways and pace of renewal in all spheres of society's life, the sequence of transformations. Members of various parties and other political organizations are actively involved in political activities. They hold meetings and conferences to discuss their goals and objectives, which, in their opinion, would most fully reflect the interests of various social groups and the entire people, to determine ways to influence state policy, to resolve the issue of participation in the work of government bodies. Party members organize rallies and other public events; distribute print publications to explain their goals; nominate candidates for deputies of various government bodies and campaign for them, trying to get the support of the largest possible number of people; express their attitude towards the state and the government; collect signatures for appeals to state bodies.

Is politics everyone's business? What is necessary for successful political activity? Any business requires certain knowledge. Is it possible to imagine a doctor who does not know human anatomy and physiology, the science of diseases and methods of treatment? Or an engineer who does not know physics, mathematics, technology? It is clear that the first requirement for a person who wants to engage in political activity is knowledge of political life: social structure, political system, government policy, various political organizations, the most important events of our day. The study of history, the course of social science, the study of the laws of one's republic, the speeches of prominent political figures, books and articles by political scientists, reading newspapers and magazines, and participation in public life helps a school student to acquire this knowledge. But knowledge alone is not enough. It is necessary to determine one's own attitude towards the positions of various political parties and other organizations. When a person joins a political organization, its goals become his personal goals. It is impossible to engage in social and political activity without being convinced that it will bring good to people, that society needs it. A confident person inspires confidence in himself from other people.

It is also necessary to develop the ability of political action, which includes: a) the ability to clearly and convincingly state one's views to other people, to listen and understand a different point of view, to understand the essence of the dispute, to defend one's convictions; b) the ability to independently navigate political information, collect and systematize material on a particular issue, correctly assess it; c) organizational skills, the ability to correctly distribute instructions, check their implementation. All these skills can be developed in practice, with active involvement in social and political life. Beliefs and political views of a person, knowledge and skills, experience of his participation in public life characterize his political culture. Politicians should be people of high general and political culture, purposeful and strong-willed, with organizational skills, and most importantly - sincerely striving for the public good, passionately wishing good to other people.

Basic concepts

Politics, political power, political party, multi-party system.

Terms

Political organization, opposition.

Questions for self-examination

What does the word "politics" mean? What role does politics play in society?
What is included in the scope of politics?
What are the signs of any power?
What are the main features of political power?
Why do political organizations arise in society?
What is a political party? Why are political parties formed?
Under what conditions can a person consciously participate in political life?

Tasks

Consider whether there is a contradiction between the two statements: politics is the relationship between classes; politics is participation in the affairs of the state.
Explain your answer.
Let us recall the time of Peter I, the main directions of the policy of his government. Whose interests did this policy express?
Two points of view were expressed in the discussion: every person can engage in politics; any person cannot be engaged in politics, but only one who has the qualities of a politician.
What is your point of view? Argument it.
List the political parties that you know. Indicate what political goals they set for themselves and what is your attitude towards these goals. Explain your position.
Name the recent political events that made you happy and that upset you. Why?
Sometimes a person says: “I am out of politics! I'm not interested in politics!" Express your attitude to this position.
Collect materials from newspapers about the political activities of the highest bodies of our state, various political organizations. Mark what you think is the most important in these materials. Why?

Of course, there is opposition in the Russian Federation. But she is unable not only to fight for power, but even to lead some real protest movement. However, it is not safe to protest too loudly in Russia today...

For several years now, complete political silence has reigned in the Russian Federation. The country is not torn apart by party leaders, there are no massacres in the State Duma, “indignant people” are not brought to Red Square by buses, no one creates rescue committees and defense fronts. Because today in Russia there is simply no one to challenge the power of the current owners of the Kremlin.

Right and left of the throne

Of course, there is opposition in the Russian Federation. But she is unable not only to fight for power, but even to lead some real protest movement. However, protesting too loudly in Russia today is not safe: you can get hit in the back with a riot police baton and end up in a "monkey". But there is no reason to yell about the dominance of totalitarianism on this occasion, since the demonstrators are treated in exactly the same way (or even more severely) in most countries of the world. Including in the West, where they are so indignant at the "monopoly on power" that has arisen in Russia.

Indeed, the overwhelming, even constitutional majority (70%) of the votes in the State Duma belongs to the United Russia party, which is known as the “Kremlin” or “Putin” (now “Putin-Medvedev”). This is the main Russian party in power, which has incorporated bureaucracy and business, which is more like a political club led from above, membership in which opens up prospects and gives "roof". Therefore, politically, United Russia is even more passive than the CPSU of the Brezhnev era: it consists of and makes the necessary connections, and does not show inappropriate initiative from below.

On the one hand, this makes the huge party easily manageable and disciplined, but on the other hand, it is easily vulnerable, since all its unity rests solely on the “vertical of power”, the top of which is concretized in the face of a small Kremlin team. If this team loses the elections, the party will simply crumble, just as Yeltsin's projects of the "party of power" once fell apart. And most of its members will immediately run over to the winners. But, again, there is simply no one to lose the election to the Putin-Medvedev team. Therefore, in the foreseeable future, the status of "United Russia" is not threatened by anything - except perhaps "the sovereign's fierce wrath."

And there is something to be angry about, since a long stay on Olympus, as you know, corrupts people. Just the other day, United Russia again failed to pass the law on the luxury tax. It is clear that the "United Russia" did not want to vote for a law directed against themselves, but after all, it was necessary to think about how society would perceive it! And although the party is still rescued by the image of Putin and Medvedev, but the attitude towards its small-town party bosses is becoming negative: in the last regional elections, United Russia lost in some places in the rating.

For such an opportunity, it is good to have a safety net in the form of an understudy, and such is the Just Russia party. In fact, the same party in power (headed by the Chairman of the Federation Council Sergei Mironov), but playing the role of a good-natured constructive opposition to United Russia - with a slight left bias towards caring for the common people and a greater share of feigned patriotism. At one time, it was called an alternative project of the Kremlin - just in case the EP rating starts to fall.

This, however, did not happen, and the promotion of the SR did not have much success - it has the smallest faction in the State Duma (8.4%), and regularly loses to United Russia in local elections. Nevertheless, the party is trying to quickly respond to all sorts of manifestations of "social injustice", trying not so much to solve problems as to lead and chatter discontent, preventing it from growing beyond a certain framework.

But if "Fair Russia" imitates the left opposition, then the Liberal Democratic Party tries to appear as the opposition of the right - and also very, very "constructive". The scandalous antics and revelations of its permanent leader are a thing of the past, the party is no longer at war with the presidential team (as it was under Yeltsin), but supports it.

Now Vladimir Volfovich works more as a "mouthpiece for the Kremlin's revelations", voicing what it would be politically incorrect to say to the Russian president. And if he criticizes the authorities for something, then only for excessive gentleness or generosity. His faction (8.9%) was the only one that did not vote for the ratification of the Kharkiv agreements, since, according to Zhirinovsky, Ukraine, with its ever-changing power, should not be trusted. And here you can not disagree with him ...

Dying Guard

The peak of the popularity of the Communist Party came in 1996, when its leader Gennady Zyuganov nearly won the presidential election. Many even wondered how he managed then to yield to Boris Yeltsin - sick and not drying out, who plunged the country into chaos of "market reforms" and monstrous corruption. Why did rumors arose that they allegedly “had a conversation” with Zyuganov, and he agreed to lose.

Be that as it may, but since then the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (the largest and only parliamentary communist party of the Russian Federation) has begun to give up its positions. From election to election, she lost her rating, and after Vladimir Putin came to power, she began to slide into a marginal state. Today it has 57 votes (12.7%) in the State Duma, but it has practically no effect on political processes in the Russian Federation. In fact, the party is also a club of people who are nostalgic for the USSR and are concerned about the size of their pensions.

A good indicator of the attitude of Russians towards the Communist Party is the comparison of the party's rating and the popularity of I. V. Stalin, whose activities were positively assessed by half of the respondents. It turns out that most of the supporters of the "glorious history" do not associate the current communists with the Soviet past!

In this, the Russian communists are very similar to their Ukrainian comrades. Their main problem is that they generally do not have their own vision of state development. In a sense, in general, in a complex way, and not just the issue of increasing social benefits and attitudes towards history. However, even without them, social standards began to grow during Putin's presidency, and Vladimir Vladimirovich showed respect for his own history even more eloquently. And most importantly - not only spoke, but also did. So ten years ago, a significant part of the CPRF electorate simply flowed over to the new Kremlin team, which prudently understood that it was better to play along with the mood of the voters than to lose them.

The Communists could only grumble with displeasure, but within the framework of the law and decency. The events of 1993 played a big role in the passivity of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, when Yeltsin's left-wing opponents were first beaten back with batons during the May riots, and then completely shot down during the October Putsch. Since then, the communists preferred to act only by "constitutional methods", limiting themselves to harmless rallies and criticism of the authorities. And the story of the financing of the party by the billionaire (former) Khodorkovsky also probably played a role in pacifying the Communist Party.

Strictly speaking, criticism is the only political weapon of the Russian Communist Party. Even if it gives the impression that the Communists curse only what they were allowed to curse. However, criticism alone will not bring good dividends. Sometimes it was possible to raise the rating somewhat - for example, during the unpopular "monetization of benefits", but then it fell again. Deputies or mayors from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation defeated the representatives of United Russia, who had bothered voters in the regions, and then repeated their mistakes.

And then there was a slightly left-oriented "Fair Russia"! But the Communist Party is rescued by its political image: in the view of many Russians, the concept of the opposition is reduced to the two most famous "non-Putin" parties - the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the Liberal Democratic Party. Two outlets where disgruntled voters pour out their angry protest votes during elections. The steam goes harmlessly into the whistle, and the authorities are quite satisfied with this. Therefore, participation in the elections of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (as well as the Liberal Democratic Party) is beneficial for her, as a method of periodically relieving socio-political tension in the country.

Shadows of Forgotten Liberals

A Russian peasant angry at the authorities can vote for the communists or Zhirinovsky, but under no circumstances will he want to cast his vote for the “democrats”. Since 2003, when none of the parties of the “reformist team” of the 1990s entered the State Duma, they have practically disappeared from the political arena of Russia.

It was only in Ukraine that Boris Nemtsov was presented as one of the leaders of the Russian opposition: he was regularly invited to his program by Shuster, he was appointed by Viktor Yushchenko as his adviser. In the Russian Federation itself, by that time, Nemtsov had sunk to the level of a marginal politician, and in 2008 his Union of Right Forces (with a rating of 1%) completely dissolved itself. He merged with several, also dying "democratic" political forces into the Right Cause party, and Nemtsov went to the Solidarity movement. That is, on behalf of the Russian opposition, and often even on behalf of Russia, a person spoke who was trusted by only 1% of Russians!

The list of Russian "democratic" parties and movements, which often call themselves "right" and "people's", but, in fact, are liberal-bourgeois, is huge. Here are the ageless Yabloko, and the aforementioned Solidarity, which has absorbed almost fifty "prominent democrats" into its political council, and the Russian People's Democratic Union of former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. And a couple dozen more parties with loud names, which either disintegrate, then unite, and then completely disappear somewhere. The same people sometimes belong to these parties at the same time.

This can also include such “ultra-oppositionists” as the oligarch Berezovsky, who escaped from Russia, the leader of the National Bolsheviks, Eduard Limonov, who periodically goes to jail, and the extravagant Valeria Novodvorskaya, who scared away her few admirers with her violent hatred of everything Soviet (and Russian).

The combined ratings of all these liberals and Democrats are estimated to be below 5%. Basically, their supporters are pro-Western youth from nightclubs, people with non-traditional sexual orientation and other dissatisfied with Russian "obscurantism", the bourgeoisie yearning for the Yeltsin era. Not much! Even for their protests, they have to hire students, as it is difficult to find volunteers to fly under their flags even in big cities. However, this liberal opposition has taken the liberty of claiming that it is saving Russia from the “Kremlin regime”. To declare loudly, to the whole world is a blessing, she has always had good ties with the West.

Agree, it is very similar to the Ukrainian national patriots: a lot of noise and even more swagger and inflated conceit with a meager number! Solid leaders who can not decide which of them is the most important.

Their political decline was swift and was explained very simply: they are all "reformers" and "stars" of the 90s and had a direct hand in the then economic and political fall of Russia. The Yeltsin era, for which they all sigh sadly, for the vast majority of Russians was a decade of decline, poverty and humiliation, and no one wants to return to those times. Therefore, this part of the Russian opposition has no chance of revival. All they have to do is weep loudly over their “lost freedom” and complain to the West about the repressions. And no one, except the West, pities them.

At one time, Vladimir Putin immediately understood the mood of the people and took advantage of them to eliminate these "Yeltsin's people" - they were fired one by one, the liberal parties lost their administrative resources, which, on the contrary, began to work against them. Someone had to run away altogether, and some were even imprisoned. The reaction of the Russians was almost a solemn approval of the actions of the authorities. So, figuratively speaking, Putin carried out the will of the people.

Of course, not everyone left. Anatoly Chubais and Sergei Kiriyenko have joined in, the liberal Aleksey Kudrin is in charge of Russian finances, and his colleague German Gref has moved from the post of Minister of Economic Development to the chair of Sberbank. And it cannot be said that Putin (and now Medvedev) broke with the methods of the “Yeltsin” economy: just over the past ten years, a lot of liberal reforms have been carried out in it, especially with regard to “streamlining” and reducing budget spending. It’s just that the main point of the changes was that the reins of government and levers of influence, which in the 1990s were in the hands of numerous “friends” and “nursers” of Boris Nikolayevich, are now firmly taken by the Kremlin. And everyone who disagrees with this was simply kicked in the neck.

Fear of Russians

One can sympathize with liberals deprived of power and hope, whose "marches" are regularly dispersed, but it should be noted that the "repressions" against them are of some kind of operetta character. The maximum will be dragged along the pavement by the collar, but soldered for 15 days. And the Russian government treats another category of opposition in a completely different way.

One of the main differences between Russia and Ukraine is that it is not only safe to be a Ukrainian nationalist in Nenka, it is even fashionable, and until recently it also gave a pass to politics. In the Russian Federation, being a Russian nationalist is fraught with danger, because you can easily end up behind bars.

You can shout “Russia for Caucasians!” until you are hoarse! (Indians, Arabs, Tajiks, Papuans), but if you exclaim "Russia for the Russians!", then you will be called a fascist and the authorities may be interested in you. Create a Koryak (Avar, Bashkir, Udmurd) national club - and you can even apply to the executive committee for budgetary assistance. But people in uniform will surely knock at the door under the sign of the Russian Club. If you emphasize that you were beaten and robbed not just by a bandit, but by a bandit with pronounced non-Russian features, you will be reminded of Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation "Inciting hatred on the basis of ethnic hatred."

These are the fruits of the “international” policy of the Russian authorities, which protects all races, peoples and nationalities living or arriving in the Russian Federation, but only for some reason except for the Russians themselves. It is very reminiscent of American liberalism, in its "political correctness" persecuting white Americans.

Of course, the plan was absolutely correct: to stop the risk of interethnic conflicts, which in the conditions of the Russian Federation can develop into separatism and local wars, and no one needs a new Chechnya. In this regard, those nationalist organizations that spoke unreasonably negatively about “foreigners” (carrying nonsense about racial superiority and other dregs), which “amuse themselves” by beating innocent passers-by, really should have been closed and attracted.

However, they wanted the best, but it turned out as always. Instead of fighting nationalism in general (not only Russian), not denying the existence of ethnic organized crime groups, and recognizing the high percentage of crime among migrants, the Russian authorities seem to have decided to limit themselves to demonstrative flogging of “Russian nationalists”. It got to the point that for a simple drunken fight with Caucasians or blacks, a Russian automatically begins to be attracted under the article for "ethnic strife." And the savvy guests from the sunny South have already understood the peculiarities of the Russian national policy and, in which case, they begin to complain that “I was just walking, eating a cake, this one stuck to me, hit me, said: “Scroll home, black!”.

All this clearly does not contribute to the strengthening of international peace. Of course, it does not cause mass hostility either. Someone was robbed in an alley by Georgian "guest performers", and he is angry with all Caucasians, while someone has been friends with a Dagestan neighbor since childhood and considers all nationalists idiots.

The problem is that by such an inept "fight against fascism" the Russian authorities automatically drove not only Russian nationalists into opposition to themselves. Despite the fact that all these "Slavic" and "Aryan" clubs have sprung up a lot, the total number of their members is small - and they mostly drink beer in the cellars. However, by persecuting “ideological Russians,” the Kremlin risks opposing itself to completely peaceful inhabitants who are passionate about Russian patriotism. And their number in Russia is constantly growing at the expense of young people. No wonder the direction of "Russian fantasy" is so popular with her.

Do not forget about the banal everyday xenophobia, which has nothing to do with any racial ideas. For example, the first lynchings of Negroes in the United States were carried out by the Irish of New York, who were simply angry that the freed "African Americans" pouring into the city were taking away their jobs. In the same way, the majority of Russian xenophobes have a grudge against “come in large numbers” not at all because they have dark hair or oversized noses.

This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Russian authorities are trying to fight the very manifestation of discontent, and this only strengthens it, although it drives it "underground". It would also be absurd, say, to forbid people to be indignant at meager pensions or corruption. But if the discontent of pensioners is transformed into votes cast for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation or A Just Russia, then there is simply no mechanism for sublimating the discontent of the “nationally concerned” and xenophobes. After all, the Kremlin forbids even recognizing the existence of this problem, calling it far-fetched (fascists). And without this, it is impossible to create a harmless "vent", some kind of controlled and peaceful opposition party, which at least pretended to be "Russian patriots".

In this regard, Ukraine was more fortunate - we have VO "Svoboda" and Oleg Tyanybok, who, although not restrained in his language, speaks too incorrectly about other nations, but absorbs all the negative emotions of domestic nationalists and, like a locomotive whistle, releasing it at their rallies into the blue sky. They made a noise - and dispersed ...

I option

1.The policy includes:

1) contacts between firms

3) conference of political scientists

4) theater tours abroad

2. The demands of political power extend to:

1) for all people living in the state

2) only for citizens of the state

3) only for adult citizens

4) only for members of the government and parliament

3. What applies to the actions of political power?

1) organizing a folk music festival

H) decision on the country's participation in an international peacekeeping action

4) conclusion of an agreement between employees and the administration of the enterprise

4. The legislative power of the Russian Federation belongs to:

1) prosecutor's office

2) Government

3) President

4) parliament

5. The features of any state include:

1) rule of law

2) the presence of a parliament

3) unitary state

4) the presence of public authority

6. Political party, unlike the state,

1) develops a political course

2) has a charter

3) expresses the interests of socially unprotected segments of the population

4) empowered to legislate

7. The concept of "fraction", "Duma committee" refers to the activities

2) executive authorities

3) the institute of presidency

4) judicial authorities

8. Are the following judgments about morality correct?

A) Moral norms are fixed in the laws and by-laws of the state.

B) Self-control of a person is the basis of the moral regulation of his behavior.

1) only A is true

2) only B is true

3) both statements are correct

4) both statements are wrong

9. Establish a correspondence between the concept and the branch of law: for each position of the first column, select the corresponding position from the second.

Concepts Branches of law

4) human life, his rights and freedoms

13. For human rights to become a reality, each of us must:

1) trust the government

2) fight criminals

3) fight against exploitation

4) respect the rights and freedoms of other people

14. The organization of the annual festival of folk art is a manifestation of the sphere of society:

1) environmental

2) political

3) social

4) spiritual

15. Regulation of human relations in terms of good and evil is a task

3) art

1) “Political ___________ allows, if necessary, to force large masses of people to perform certain tasks and decisions.”

2) “Being a citizen means enjoying certain rights and bearing the necessary __________________ in relation to your state.”

3) "Parties that disagree with the policies pursued by the ruling party, DIV_ADBLOCK5">

10. The constitution is called the fundamental law because

1) the president takes an oath on it

2) has the highest legal force

3) adopted by referendum

4) is a symbol of democracy

11. According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the main source of power in our country is:

1) Constitutional Court

2) President of the Russian Federation

3) the people of the Russian Federation

4) Federal Assembly

12. Compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ensures:

1) protection of the civilian population during hostilities

2) providing medical care to prisoners

3) protection of the honor and dignity of a person

13. Freedom consists in the right of a person to do what

1) does not harm another person

2) contributes to the development of his business

3) limits the arbitrariness of his authorities

4) ensures its safety

14. What sphere of society is represented by religion, art and science?

1) environmental

2) political

3) social

4) spiritual

15. The rules "Do not steal", "Do not lie", "Honor the elders" are the norms:

1) art

16. What word is missing in the following phrases?

1) "The ruling persons or groups rely on the strength of _____________ and, if necessary, use the court, the police, the army."

2) “Citizenship is a stable political legal connection of a person with ________________.”

3) "The political regime in which there is a government of the people, elected by the people and for the people, is called ___________________."

4) “Appearance in public places in a state of intoxication is

Offense."

5) “A person who has not reached _______ years is recognized as a child.”

17. Which of the forms of territorial-state structure is not named in the scheme?

________________

state

federal state

18. Name any five signs of a totalitarian state.

A political party is a public association created by citizens on the basis of common political views in order to participate in government. Each of the parties presents its political program, charter and symbols. As a rule, any citizen of the state can join one or another party at will.

The party system of the country may be different. Thus, in the USSR there was only one (ruling) Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU). Moreover, her right to power was enshrined in law. In multi-party systems, two types of parties are usually distinguished: ruling parties (parties in power) and opposition parties. As a rule, the ruling party that supports the current government has the advantage in parliament. Opposition parties that disagree with the policy of the ruling power only partially limit it, but, as a rule, have no real chance of becoming the main ones in the state. This is exactly the situation that is currently observed in Russia. In some other states (England,) there are two (rarely more) political parties, almost equal in strength and significance.

United Russia- the ruling party, fully supporting the policies of the president and the government. It was created in 2001 by combining three parties: "Unity", "Fatherland" and "All Russia". At the moment it is the largest party in the country, with over a million members. This is explained not only by the political course of the party, but also by the support that authorities at all levels provide to its members. The chairman of the party is Boris Vyacheslavovich Gryzlov. Co-chairs - Luzhkov Yury Mikhailovich, Shoigu Sergey Kuzhugetovich, Shaimiev Mintimer Sharipovich. The symbol of the party is the polar bear. Colors are white and blue.

Communist Party of the Russian Federation- a pronounced opposition party that expresses disagreement with the main directions of the policy of the current government. The course of the party basically coincides with the course of the CPSU, but takes into account the present situation in the country. Created in 1993 on the basis of the CPSU. At the moment it has about 550 thousand members. The head of the party is Gennady Andreevich Zyuganov. Party symbols hammer, sickle and book. Colors are red.

Fair Russia- a party that advocates the social and legal equality of citizens, the responsibility of the state to citizens and a greater degree of participation of the latter in governing the country. Supports the policy of President V.V. Putin. It was formed in 2006 by combining three parties: Rodina, the Russian Party of Pensioners and the Russian Party of Life. The symbol of the party is the Russian flag with a wide red stripe, on which there is an inscription: "Fair Russia", and below the inscription: "Motherland Pensioners Life".

LDPR(Liberal Democratic Party of Russia) is a radical party that advocates a strong state, to which the interests of all its citizens should be subordinated. The LDPR advocates the revival of a single state (empire) without division into national republics. Despite criticism of the situation in the country, it mainly supports the course of the president and government. Formed in 1989. The LDPR is popular mainly due to its leader Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky, which is why political scientists often call it a one-man party. It is, in fact, its symbol. The colors are blue.

Some other registered parties in Russia:

Agrarian Party
Patriots of Russia
Apple
Union of Right Forces
People's Will
Democratic Party
Russian Ecological Party The Greens
Peace and Unity Party
Socialist Party of Russia
Russian Renaissance Party

Remember: What are the differences between large social groups existing in society? What does the history course say about the emergence and activities of political parties?

Consider: Are political parties useful? In what ways can it manifest itself?

In its desire to influence state power, any social group proceeds from its own interests. Of course, each person has personal interests, but large groups have common, group interests. Let us recall the contradictions that capitalism gave rise to at the dawn of its development. If the workers are compelled to sell their labor power, then they are all interested in selling it more dearly, i.e., in getting higher wages. The capitalists, on the other hand, sought to make large profits and, consequently, pay the workers less. In this case, the struggle between workers and capitalists is economic. But when the interests of the workers or capitalists want to be promoted, put into practice through state power, then the struggle between them passes into the realm of politics.Policy- these are the goals and means of achieving them, which are aimed at putting into practice the interests of large groups of people through the state.

Socio-political movements.

The need to protect the interests of various social groups gives rise to associations that express the interests of these groups and participate in political life.

Socio-political movements- These are mass, voluntary formations created on the initiative of people from below.

As a rule, the movement brings together people who set themselves any one common goal. Yes, in the 50s and 70s. of the last century, in many countries a movement of supporters of peace, opposed to war, began to demand an end to the arms race and disarmament. It united people regardless of nationality, political and religious views. Today in different countries, including Russia, there are movements in defense of human rights, ecological movements in defense of the environment, etc. Such mass associations have a diverse social composition, are based on self-government and usually create their own elected collegial governing body. They do not have a fixed membership, i.e. the members of the movement do not formalize their membership in it. Therefore, during the period of the rise of the movement, the number of participants increases, and during the period of decline it decreases.

Such socio-political associations seek to influence the authorities in one way or another in order to achieve their goals. They organize citizens' appeals to various authorities, come up with civil initiatives on political issues, hold rallies, demonstrations, picketing, and use other forms of political activity. It is the desire to solve some socially significant issues through power structures that gives such movements a political character. Some of these movements, having solved their limited tasks or discovered their failure, cease to exist. Others are gradually transforming into political parties.

Political parties.

Political parties play the largest role in political life. There are many of them in the modern world. From a history course, you probably know about the activities in the USA of especially influential Republican and Democratic parties, about the leading parties in Great Britain - the Conservative and Labor.

Data.

On December 2, 2007, elections to the State Duma were held in Russia. 11 political parties took part in them: United Russia, KomCommunist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Just Russia, Patriots of Russia, Union of Right Forces, Yabloko, Civil Force, Party of Social Justice, Democratic Party, Agrarian the consignment.

As a result of the elections, representatives of the parties "United Russia", the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the LDPR, "Fair Russia" were elected to the State Duma. These parties received a total of about 92% of the vote. The remaining 7 parties were unable to obtain the necessary support from voters and did not enter the Duma.

How are political parties different from other associations?

Firstly, a political party strives not only to participate in political life, but also to gain power or participate in the exercise of power in order to achieve its goals using its capabilities.

Secondly, a political party, unlike temporary associations, sets itself long-term goals and exists for a fairly long period of time.

Thirdly, a political party has not only central, but also local organizations, that is, as a rule, a clear organizational structure, fixed by the party charter.

Fourthly, a political party, unlike political clubs and circles, seeks to create a mass support for itself, that is, to spread its influence over a large number of people, and, as a rule, to achieve the support of voters in elections to representative bodies of power.

Fifthly, a political party unites people who have close views on social problems and share a common idea about the state and social structure. Ideas common to party members are usually set forth in the party programme.

Parties substantiate political goals, develop ways of fighting for power, and strive to win the support of large masses of people.

Document.

From the Law of the Russian Federation "On political parties":

“Political diversity and multi-party system are recognized in the Russian Federation. Based on this constitutional principle, the state guarantees the equality of political parties before the law, regardless of the ideology, goals and objectives set out in their constituent and program documents.

The state ensures the observance of the rights and legitimate interests of political parties ...

Article 3. The concept of a political party and its structure

1. A political party is a public association created for the purpose of the participation of citizens of the Russian Federation in the political life of society through the formation and expression of their political will, participation in public and political actions, in elections and referendums, as well as in order to represent the interests of citizens in state bodies authorities and local governments…

4. The goals and objectives of a political party are set out in its charter and program.

The main objectives of a political party are:

formation of public opinion;
political education and upbringing of citizens;
expression of opinions of citizens on any issues of public life, bringing these opinions to the attention of the general public and public authorities;
nomination of candidates (lists of candidates) in elections ... to legislative (representative) bodies of state power ... and to representative bodies of local self-government, participation in elections to these bodies and in their work.

Since social groups are diverse, their interests are also diverse. In those countries where there are conditions for the expression of these interests, that is, in democratic countries, there are not one, but several different political parties. At the same time, they compete with each other in the struggle for influence on voters.

Data.

In 2009, there are seven officially registered parties in Russia. Four of them are represented in the State Duma of the Russian Federation: United Russia, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and Just Russia. In terms of the number of electorate, the United Russia party is leading by a significant margin. Among the parties not included in the State Duma are Yabloko, Patriots of Russia and Right Cause. However, some of them are represented in several legislative assemblies of the subjects of the Federation.

Each of the parties expresses the interests of certain social groups.

When one party is in power, which pursues a certain policy (or, as they say, a political line), then other parties that disagree with this policy criticize the ruling party, being with it in opposition. They develop their own political line as a possible option instead of the one pursued by the authorities. By criticizing the policy of the ruling party and offering voters its own version of the policy, the opposition hopes to come to power in the next elections. The activity in the country of several political parties competing for votes is calledmulti-party system.

in our country at the beginning of the 20th century. There were also several parties. In the future, for many years there was one party - the Communist. At present, new political parties have emerged that seek to ensure that the people vote for their representatives in elections in order to influence the activities of government bodies through them. The multi-party system in Russia has been revived in the last two decades. The process of its formation is not yet completed.

Opinions.

Asked in 2004, “What kind of party system do you think would be better for Russia now?” the following opinions were expressed: “One all-people party, constantly standing atpower” (22%), “Two or three large, well-organized mass parties” (30%), “Several, albeit small, but real parties of convinced and active people” (17%). Many of the respondents did not have an established opinion.

The number of parties in our country has been noticeably declining in recent years - perhaps, instead of several dozen large and few parties, in the future there will be a few large, trusted voters.

Test yourself

Why do social and political movements arise in society?
What is a political party?
Why are political parties formed? What are their goals?
What are the differences between political parties and movements?

The wise say

"The main goal of a political party is that the majority of people's representatives and ministers be its members, so that the wishes of the party become the law for the whole country."
I. A. Ilyin (1882 - 1954), Russian philosopher
"The one who serves his party best of all, who serves his country best of all."
R. Hayes (1822 - 1893), President of the United States in 1877-1881
The Party is organized public opinion.
B. Shaw (1856 - 1950), English writer

Conclusions to the chapter POLICY

The sphere of politics plays a special role in the life of society. The development of the economy, the social sphere, and spiritual culture largely depends on the policy pursued by the state. It significantly affects the position of various social groups. In order to realize their interests, social groups seek to use state power, since only this power allows, if necessary, to force people to comply with the norms that ensure order in social relations. The political sphere includes political activities associated with the use of power, political organizations, political ideas and views that express the interests of certain social groups.
The state arises at a certain stage in the development of human society. There are various theories explaining its appearance. Modern states are different in forms of government, territorial structure, methods and means of influencing society. The vast majority of people living in the territory of this state are its citizens, who have certain rights and bear the necessary duties.
The totality of the means and methods by which the state exercises its power determines the nature of the political regime. The main differences between democratic and non-democratic regimes include: the presence (or absence) of real guarantees of human rights and freedoms; the nature of the electoral system; the degree of coercion and violence on the part of the authorities, its attitude towards the opposition, ideological diversity, multi-party system.
The idea of the rule of law arose in ancient times and has come a long historical way in its development. The search for a just structure of state power led thinkers to the fundamental idea of the need to combine the power of power and the justice of law. This means that the state must act only within the law. Or, as lawyers say, it must be bound by law. The principle of separation of powers has become another major discovery of the theory of the rule of law. Modern science identifies a number of principles (features) of the rule of law. The most important ones include at least three: the rule of law (legal law); inviolability of human rights and freedoms; separation of powers. Today, there are democratic states in the world in which one can see signs of the rule of law, although in many ways it still remains an ideal.
Civil society is a set of non-state relations and associations expressing the diverse interests of members of society. It is based on various forms of private property, a market economy, and freedom of economic choice. Civil society is an area of independent activity of a free and responsible person who has guaranteed rights and freedoms of a person and a citizen. A developed civil society is possible only under conditions of a democratic regime and the rule of law.
In the life of civil society, local self-government plays an important role, which, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, is not included in the system of state authorities, is not subordinate to them. The development of local self-government is one of the conditions for the movement of society along the path of democracy.
All sectors of society are interested in the state policy taking into account their interests. Political rights and freedoms allow a citizen to participate in the management of state affairs, to influence government policy. Equal and direct suffrage, the right to equal access to public service, freedom of assembly and association - all these legal norms are designed to ensure democratic order in society. At the same time, their use by a citizen should not infringe on the rights and freedoms of other people. The more rights and freedoms a person receives, the higher his responsibility for observing the rights and freedoms of other people.
The effectiveness of the political activity of each citizen largely depends on his political literacy, the ability to independently navigate political events.
Active representatives of various social groups unite in political organizations expressing the interests of these groups. Political parties play the largest role in the political struggle. They unite people with common political views, have a clear organizational structure, and strive to participate in the exercise of power (for which they actively seek mass support in elections). They substantiate political goals, develop ways to fight for power, and in a multi-party system compete with each other in the struggle for influence on voters.