State Governance: Democracy, Power, and Political Systems

What is a State?

The state is the top political and administrative unit which governs a territory and under whose authority are all inhabitants. This consists of four essential elements: a territory, a population, a government, and symbols (the "4 elements of states").

Core Functions of the State

State functions include:

• Maintaining public order within their territory.
• Defending their territory and their citizens against foreign efforts.
• Managing international relations.
• Preparing laws.
• Providing services and regulating the economy and labor relations.

The Welfare State and Social Equality

The welfare state, also called social status, occurs when the government intervenes in the economy and society in order to ensure that all citizens have a decent standard of living and to reduce social inequalities.

Principles of a Democratic System

Democracy comes from the union of two Greek words: demos (people) and kratos (government). The word democracy means "rule by the people." To consider that a state is democratic, it must meet three characteristics:

1. Citizens participate in government.
2. There is a separation of powers.
3. There is a rule of law.

Requirements for Democratic Elections

To be truly democratic, specific election requirements must be met:

• All citizens over the legal age should be able to vote.
• Candidates must be presented to win elections.
• All those present should be able to submit their political programs freely.
• Elections must be held regularly.
• The cleanliness and transparency of the results must be ensured.

The Separation of Powers

Regarding the separation of powers:

• The parliament has legislative power; it is the body responsible for passing laws and controlling the actions of the government.
• The government has executive power; it is responsible for administering the laws and the country.
• Judges have the judiciary power; their mission is to ensure compliance with laws by both citizens and institutions.

The Rule of Law and the Constitution

Under the rule of law, laws must be respected by all, including persons who are in positions of power. The supreme law is the constitution, which defines the rights and duties of citizens and limits the power of institutions.

Dictatorships and Authoritarian Rule

In dictatorships, a person or a group concentrates all the power of the state in their hands, often following a coup or revolution.

Religious Influence on State Governance

In secular states, the laws are not based on any religious doctrine, and citizens may profess the religion of their choice or none at all.

In confessional states, there is a religion that has extensive privileges. Most confessional states are not democratic, and the practice of religions other than the official one is prohibited. In theocracies, there is also an official religion, and holy books become the religious law; religious leaders occupy the government or have the authority to decide on its policies.

Monarchies and Republics

Monarchies are those in which the head of state is a king. In republics, the head of state is a president.