Most likely, they all understood that the world was sliding into a zone of “global turbulence”. This is a time when the future of countries and humanity as a whole is not defined, and therefore depends on the position of each individual. And how can people express their opinions? Here it should be remembered that this is done through citizen participation in political life. Only not everyone in our country and in other states has the necessary minimum information on this issue. Not especially we are interested in such abstract topics when everything is stable. And as the crisis looms on the horizon, we are at a loss as we try to figure out exactly how we can influence it. Is it possible to rely on rulers? Or can we ourselves join in the overall work to overcome it? Let's deal with our rights and obligations.
What will it be about?
It is proposed to consider the expression "citizen participation in political life", defining its semantic load. It has two interconnected concepts. They cannot exist separately and cover the described process comprehensively. We specifically distinguish two terms: “citizen” and “politics”. The first describes a person with certain rights. The second is the process of their implementation in the field of government. It turns out that we are exploring a system that allows each person to influence events in their country according to their own beliefs. You say this is impossible? However, you should first study the laws, then only draw conclusions.
Your vote is decisive
We will try to understand where the levers are legally laid down that allow each person to influence the general situation. To begin with, citizen participation in political life is a rather “bureaucratic” process. It is laid out on the shelves in the constitution of any democratic state. In addition, there are also a number of laws and other acts detailing this process. Yes, you yourself most likely already took part in it, but did not qualify him as a citizen's participation in political life. If you have already reached the age of majority, then you went to vote (or had such an opportunity). You were provided with information about various parties wishing to gain power, explained, offered to ask questions, and so on. You may not have paid any attention to these events, but a citizen takes part in this form (but not only) in the political life of his state. Through the election system, his right to take part in governing the country is exercised.
Let's move on to practice
Citizen participation in politics is not limited to plebiscites. After all, voting is already the result of a rather lengthy process. It is preceded by a political struggle. Namely, those parties that want to direct the development of the country and society are trying to attract as many citizens as possible. To do this, they explain their views and goals. They try to attract citizens to this work so that they exercise their right to freedom of opinion. At this time, any person can choose the force that most fully reflects his own position. Of course, some people think that it is better to defend their beliefs alone. However, in a democratic society, a more rational mechanism has been invented, based on the long-standing principle: “Together we are power!” Therefore, political parties are formed. They are an expression of the aspirations and hopes of certain groups and segments of the population.
About political parties
Now we have come to the other side of citizen participation in government. Anyone can become a member of a political force consistent with his convictions. And when he turns twenty-one, to be elected to one or another local government body. And this is a completely different level of participation in political life. Work in the local government allows you to directly influence decision making. After all, laws are adopted precisely in them. It is worth saying here that a deputy of any level does not vote “according to his own understanding”. He expresses the views of his constituents. So, when voting, he must proceed from the interests of the latter. This is the second level, so to speak, of the realization of the right of citizens to participate in the political system. The first is participation in the choice of a political force, the second - it acts in his interests.
Is it that simple?
Actually not really. The fact is that the process of governing the country is rather complicated. You can, of course, "chop down" and declare the most popular ideas among the people. And as it comes to putting them into practice, deputies and parties invariably stumble upon obstacles and barriers. On the one hand, they have an opposition, a political force that expresses the interests of other groups of the population, sometimes of a confrontational nature. It is necessary to negotiate with them, to find consensus. But there is also legislation, that is, the adopted "rules of the game." It is impossible to jump over them. For example, many are dissatisfied with high utility tariffs. To reduce them, you need to change many laws, the first of which will be the budget for the current year. And besides him, there are also other acts of a federal and local character. The work is complex and long.
Should I go to the deputies?
Of course, a person with an active civic position wants to influence society more tightly. Many strive to be elected to one or another body. Is this responsibility only for everyone? The person on whom the well-being of the country and the entire population depends must have a large supply of knowledge. He also needs experience, the ability to analyze facts, to perceive information deeply and voluminously. Of course, a large number of specialists are working on any legislative act. In the end, the one who voted is responsible for its implementation. Therefore, it is imperative that these people be comprehensively educated, wise, and visionary. So it turns out that a citizen is involved in politics when he carefully looks at who he is going to cast his vote for.
Participation in peaceful assemblies
With officialdom sorted out. But this is not the end of political life. Indeed, in addition to elections, there are other forms of expression by the people of their opinion. Thus, the Constitution of a democratic country guarantees the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. This means that people can express their opinions through rallies, rallies or other events held in public places. The implementation of this right is governed by its laws that describe the methodology for organizing such events. That is, they cannot be spontaneous. Would you like to rally? You are welcome to the municipality council with a statement stating the goals, organizers and the estimated number of participants. This is not discrimination. Local authorities are responsible for the lives of citizens. She is obliged to ensure the safety of order during the campaign. Although there are exceptions. One person can picket without agreement.
About liability
This is the most important question on the one hand and the least popular on the other.
Our people love to look for the guilty. However, a citizen in politics has not only rights, but also obligations. It requires a thoughtful and careful use of their rights. And then we vote for the one “prompted”, and then grab our heads from what is happening in the country. And more often in general we miss elections or rallies. Everyone has their own affairs, more important from his point of view, there are. The fact that we are also citizens, and not just people, we recall when something is needed from the authorities. And also - when prices are rising or another “trouble” is developing before our eyes. But you had the right to influence the formation of this very power! Have you used it? Now ask yourself why the wrong people rule the country.