The term "social structure" is often found in social studies. He describes a whole set of features that are the main characteristic of the state. Let's see what it means and what parts it consists of.
What is a social device?
Any society has its own specific structure. There are various approaches to the analysis and comparison of societies. One of the most common is the assignment of states to different groups depending on their social structure. By this is meant a combination of features that distinguish the political, economic, and social structure of the state. The social structure of society distinguishes several components: the form of government, the political regime, the form of territorial structure, as well as the dominant economic system. According to these categories, the classification of states occurs .
The social structure of the state as its characteristic
The laws of development, as well as the features inherent in states with different political and economic systems, are studied by such a science as the theory of state and law. It is the system of social structure that allows one way or another to characterize any country from the point of view of this science. Depending on what forms one or another social institution existing in the state takes, one can trace the connection between, for example, the political system and the position of an individual in the state and its economic well-being.
Form of government
One of the most important characteristics of the state is the form of government. They may vary, depending on what the order of formation and the method of organization of the highest authorities in the state.
1. Republic
Under the republican form of government, the highest authorities are elected for a certain term by the people. There are three types of republics:
The President of the country heads the executive authorities and holds the post of head and official of the state. There is a post of prime minister who acts as the “right hand” of the president. Parliament is responsible to the government.
Parliament is formed from the winning party. The president does not head the parliament, but the executive branch. The prime issues are addressed by the prime minister. The government is accountable to parliament.
Combines the features of a presidential and parliamentary republic.
2. Monarchy
Power is transferred according to accepted principles and traditions, as a rule, by inheritance. There are two main forms of monarchy:
All power is concentrated in the hands of one ruler, who heads the legislative, executive and judicial authorities. Power is not limited by anything other than formal norms (for example, etiquette or customs)
- Constitutional (parliamentary)
The power of the monarch is limited by the adopted Constitution, the leading role is played by the parliament. The monarch performs a symbolic function.
Political regimes
The political regime characterizes the methods and techniques for the use and retention of power that are accepted in a given state, as well as the position of an individual person, the rights and freedoms that belong to her, or their absence. There are three types of political regimes.
1. Totalitarian
Full control over citizens in all areas of society. The power is concentrated in the hands of one party, the opposition is absent. Rights and freedoms may formally exist, but not be realized in practice. The power is sacred, the presence of a personality cult is possible. Widely used forceful ways to influence society. Economic and social stability is maintained.
2. Authoritarian
It is associated with the large role of one particular person who seized power. Control is exercised only over the political sphere of society. Formally, a multi-party system exists, but there is no real opposition.
3. Democratic
Power belongs to the population. In practice, the principle of checks and balances is implemented, which does not allow usurping power. The rights and freedoms of citizens exist and are being realized. There is strong opposition.
Countries with a democratic regime in its purest form do not exist.
Territorial device
The form of state (territorial) structure is a way of territorial organization of the state, a way of dividing it into its component parts and forms of their interaction. There are three main types:
1. Unitary state
The territory in a unitary state is single; there is no division into subjects. The authorities are centralized. Unitary states are characterized by a unicameral parliament and a single-channel tax collection system.
2. Federation
The territory is not integral, there are federal and regional authorities. They have their own legal framework, symbolism, possibly citizenship.
The constituent parts of the state have the right to international relations. Federations are characterized by a bicameral parliament and a two-channel tax collection system. Can be:
The state was divided into autonomous parts in accordance with the adopted supreme law.
The Federation was formed by the agreement of several states.
3. Confederation
States with their own sovereignty and independence are united to achieve a political or economic goal. General citizenship is possible along with the own citizenship of a separate state. They have a common financial and tax system, as well as governing bodies.
Economic systems
The type of economic system characterizes how the state decides the three main issues of the economy: what, how and how much to produce. According to it, the basic resources and economic benefits are distributed.
1. Market
The basis of a market economy is a free market and the institution of private property. Each participant in the market independently decides how to distribute their resources. Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in a market economy, since it is entrepreneurs who constitute the driving force of progress. Prices and volumes of production are determined by the laws of supply and demand in the market.
2. Team
In a command economy, the state solves all economic issues. It is it that makes plans, determines the volume of production and its methods. The distribution of finished economic goods is also regulated by the state.
3. Traditional
The traditional economy is fully based on the customs and traditions accepted in this society, the forms of production that have already existed for centuries in this community. As a rule, the basis of this type of economy is folk crafts and needlework.
Features of the social structure of Russia
The Russian Federation, according to the article of the first chapter of the first current Constitution, is a democratic legal state with a republican form of government. Russia is a mixed republic with some bias in the presidential. As the name implies, Russia is a federal state that has 46 regions, 22 republics, 9 territories, 4 autonomous districts, 3 cities of federal significance and 1 autonomous region.
However, when answering the question about what kind of social structure is inherent in a certain state, it must be remembered that these categories are artificial and their full implementation in practice is impossible.