The principle of democratic centralism in the management of a socialist society is the foundation for building the state and the ideological base of the communist party. This was directly stated in the Constitution of the USSR. Let us consider in more detail what the principle of democratic centralism implies.
General information
Historians differently assess the essence of the principle of democratic centralism. As a principle of partisanship, it undoubtedly was of crucial importance for the development of the entire Soviet society. The state system and economic activity of the whole country were built on it.
Key elements
First of all, scientists distinguish the following three principles of democratic centralism:
- The sovereignty of the working people.
- Election of governing structures.
- Accountability to the masses.
These elements constitute the democratic link of centralism. At the same time, the state system was arranged so that the country's leadership was carried out from one center. In this regard, one should agree with experts who single out the four principles of democratic centralism: the three above are joined by subordination of the minority to the majority.
Thus, a single leadership was combined with the initiative and responsibility of each state body and official for the work entrusted to him.
Formation history
The foundations of the principle of democratic centralism in the activities of state bodies were developed by Engels and Marx. At that time, the labor movement needed to unite their forces in the struggle against the capitalist system.
In the revolutionary era, the principle of democratic centralism was developed by Lenin. In his writings, he formulated the organizational foundations of the new proletarian party:
- Membership was allowed on the basis of recognition of the program and mandatory entry into any of its organizations. Subsequently, the principles of democratic centralism in the Komsomol, a pioneer structure, were actively promoted.
- Strict discipline, mandatory for each party member.
- Clear execution of decisions.
- Subordination of the minority to the majority.
- Election, reporting party bodies.
- The development of initiative and activity of the masses.
The implementation of the principle of democratic centralism
In practice, the Bolshevik Party brought it to life. The principle was legalized by the First Bolshevik Conference in 1905. The following, in 1906, at the Fourth Congress of the RSDLP, it was adopted the provision that all party organizations should be built on democratic centralism. The principle was recognized as decisive in 1919 at the Eighth Conference of the RCP (B.).
After the October Revolution, the Communist Party became ruling. Its leaders began to extend the principle of democratic centralism to state building.
Opposition
The Trotskyists, "leftists", "decists" and other anti-Soviet groups actively opposed democratic centralism. They sought to form a factional structure in the party and undermine its unity.
At the Tenth Congress of the RCP (B.), A decision was made to condemn all fragmentation. At the suggestion of Lenin, a resolution was approved on the unity of the party.
Definition
The principle of democratic centralism was most fully described in the Charter adopted by the XVII Congress in 1934. From a philosophical point of view, it was defined by Mao Zedong. In relation to China, he said that it is not the form of building power that matters, but the selection criteria that guide a certain social layer in creating state institutions whose activities are aimed at protecting against external influences.
Mao Zedong, taking into account the realities of his time, suggested creating a structure consisting of the All-China, district, provincial, district assemblies. At the same time, state authorities should be elected at all levels. At the same time, an electoral system should be functioning that is based on equal, general elections, regardless of religion and gender, without educational and property qualifications, etc. Only in this case can the interests of all revolutionary classes be taken into account. Such a system will allow the people to express their will, lead the struggle against enemies, and the state system as a whole will correspond to the spirit of democracy.
Background
The need to form a party on the principle of democratic centralism is determined by the decisive role that the working people play in the historical development of mankind. Such an organization of the structure allows you to take into account the opinions, will, interests of all citizens: both party and non-party. Under democratic centralism, everyone gets the opportunity to participate in the implementation of the goals and programs of the party.
The need to introduce democratic centralism is also associated with the class character of society itself. As Lenin said, under the capitalist conditions, the proletariat’s only weapon in the struggle for power is organization.
In a socialist society, the Communist Party is the leader of large-scale social and economic reforms. Accordingly, the increased requirements for its organization are determined by the role of the people, the need to implement socialist ideals, a unified cultural policy, and a foreign policy line.
Economic sphere
Of particular importance is the implementation of the principle in the field of national economy. It covers the production, exchange, distribution, consumption of goods.
The democratic essence of managing the national economic complex under socialism is predetermined by property relations, based on a close relationship, the correspondence of the interests of lower and higher links. As a result, interaction is carried out on the basis of cooperation and mutual assistance.
Management Features
The presence of socialist property determines the need and ability to centralize the key functions of administration in the sphere of the national economy. At the same time, the independence of individual elements of the system (enterprises, etc.) is also assumed.
Solving local problems, developing methods and forms for implementing directives from higher authorities remain decentralized.
Under socialist conditions, the interests of collectives, groups, individuals coincide with the aspirations of the whole society. At the same time, objectively, there is a variety of conditions for conducting business activities, achieving agreed, uniform, centrally established goals. This implies the need for a variety of economic decisions, ways to achieve attitudes within the framework of one national economic plan.
Key issues
Centralization covers the following areas of the economic life of society:
- The formation of the structure of the national economic complex and proportions.
- Determining the pace and direction of economic development.
- Coordination and coordination of local plans.
- Implementation of a unified state policy in the field of technological progress, capital investment, finance, prices, labor remuneration, production location.
- Development of a system of norms of economic behavior for each link in the national economic complex.
This ensures the key role of centralized management, the real subordination of the separate elements of the structure to the interests of the development of all social production. As a result, economic independence is formed within the framework of restrictions.
Negative factors
Lenin wrote that a departure from the basic ideas of democratic centralism will lead to its anarcho-syndicalist transformation. In his writings, the Bolshevik leader pointed out the need for a clear presentation of the degree to which they differ from the bureaucratic trend on the one hand and anarchism on the other.
Bureaucratic centralism, according to Lenin, is dangerous in that it impedes the initiative of the masses and creates obstacles for the full identification and effective use of the reserves of economic development. The fight against such transformations is one of the key problems of improving the administrative system in a socialist society. At the same time, according to Lenin, anarcho-syndicalism is no less dangerous. With its development, the foundations of centralism are undermined, and obstacles are created for the effective use of its advantages. Anarcho-syndicalism leads to fragmented actions.
Democratic centralism, Lenin believed, not only does not exclude, but also implies the absolute freedom of territories, communities in the development of forms of social, state, and economic life.