Not all democracy is equally useful. Not all democracy is equally beneficial The meaning of the electoral system

Why is democracy impossible?

But still. Democracy has never existed anywhere. But maybe something was done wrong? Maybe democracy is still possible? We have already addressed the topic of governing society by the ruling class. And the reasons for this. Let us remind them: In a sufficiently large society it is impossible to organize a management process in which all members of society will participate.

Most members of society do not have sufficient knowledge to manage society.




Most people are not at all interested in the process of managing society, especially in the aspect of caring for society. The first reason is evidence for the impossibility of democracy, and the second and third are the two main objections to the effectiveness of democracy, which point to the fourth and fifth reason for the impossibility of democracy.




Democracy implies political manipulation.




The impossibility of democratic control of power by society.

The first, fourth and fifth reasons are clear evidence that even the best sprinter will not be able to overtake a car moving at full speed. So, the first is bad, and the second is impossible.

Since the management of public affairs is always in the hands of a minority of influential people, with whom the majority consciously or unconsciously takes into account, the Italian sociologist G. Mosca questions the very term “democracy”. And this thinker turns out to be absolutely right.

Let us consider the above theses about the impossibility and defectiveness of democracy in more detail. 1. Technological impossibility of organizing the mass management process

In general, it is obvious that it is technologically impossible to organize a process of managing society in which the entire people will take part. Direct democracy, that is, when the state is governed by the entire people, is impossible. But maybe indirect democracy is possible, that is, when the people govern through their representatives? For example, the owner of a factory can hire a manager who will manage the factory on his behalf and, in fact, carry out his will.

In reality, indirect democracy is also impossible. The qualities of the average person: lack of professionalism, disinterest - do not imply the functioning of a democratic mechanism. Democracy, of course, can exist, the average person can participate in the democratic process, but his participation will be similar to the attempts of a Russian to understand a Chinese text: uninteresting and incomprehensible.

2. Unprofessionalism of the average person

According to sociological surveys, of those voting for certain candidates, only 2-3% have read at least some program materials. During polls conducted in Moscow in May 2002, only 2% were able to name the name of their deputy. And this state of affairs exists in the capital of our country, when not even a year has passed since the elections. And those who can clearly formulate the program postulates of a particular party or candidate are very few.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 1997, almost half of the population is confident that the phrase “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” is an article from the US Constitution, and not a postulate of Marxism. As data from VTsIOM shows, just a few months after the elections, people do not remember who they voted for or which deputies represent their interests in federal, regional and even local authorities.

“Alas, the youth of Russia are apolitical and politically illiterate... As in-depth interviews show, no more than 8% of young people know the real balance of political forces in the country, and no more than 4% have political convictions. On average, 2% go to the polls."

One incident from the 1996 election campaign is memorable. On TV they showed an elderly village woman who said that she would vote for Yeltsin rather than Zyuganov, because she liked Yeltsin better. The tragicomic nature of that situation was that she could not even pronounce the name “Zyuganov” correctly.

“The idea of ​​democracy did not appeal to the “founding fathers” of the United States. “A people is unstable and changeable, and right judgment and decisions are rarely available to them,” wrote Hamilton. Hamilton’s opinion was fully confirmed by the Jacobin hosiery workers, who during the Great French Revolution sat on the back benches of the Convention and, without raising their eyes from knitting stockings, unanimously sent all the enemies of the revolution to the guillotine.”

However, the people cannot be blamed for not understanding the programs of various parties and movements. Why should people understand this? We do not require that a professional sociologist be able to sort out the engine of a car or be able to lay out a brick wall evenly. In today's world, the process of specialization is growing, this is recognized by everyone, and it is absurd that with the growing process of specialization, a doctrine arises that requires a person to be well versed in something in which he is not an expert. Everyone must do their job,

“the masses, by their very nature, should not and cannot manage their own existence, much less manage society, this means that Europe is now experiencing the most severe crisis that can only affect peoples, nations and cultures.”

S. G. Kara-Murza. Manipulation of consciousness. M., 2005. P. 61.
Toshchenko Zh. T. Sociology. M., 2001. P. 291.
Apple of Russia // No. 46, 6-12.11.1999.
Zerkin D.P. Fundamentals of Political Science. Rostov n/d., 1996. P. 193.
Ortega y Gasset H. Revolt of the Masses. M., 1991. P. 40.

The majority of people do not “understand politics” not because it is quite difficult, but because the absolute majority is not interested in it. For most people, the interests of their family are much closer than the interests of the state: “your shirt is closer to your body.” Half of society is women for whom the interests of family and children are a priority by nature, otherwise a woman can hardly be called full-fledged.

We cannot agree with those who say that political myopia is a bad quality of the people. They are wrong. If everyone is altruistic, if everyone’s common interests are more important than their own, if everyone sacrifices their lives for the common good, then society will die out. The people serve as a kind of ballast, and this ballast is necessary for society. A ship cannot sail without ballast, which gives it stability, just as people give stability to society. Ordinary people should have healthy egoism and conservatism, this is normal. Another thing is abnormal: people who are not naturally designed to govern are trying to determine state policy. It's like forcing a blind man to paint or a mute man to sing.

Many voter actions cannot be explained at all within the framework of normal logic. For example, according to a VTsIOM survey, only 21% of respondents believe that it is up to ordinary voters who will come to power and what policies will be pursued. And at the same time, at least 45.5% are planning to go to the polls. Why go if nothing depends? Why participate in the process when you are sure that in this process you are simply being deceived? There are some unconscious motives for the electorate to come to the polling station. Go because everyone is going. Go because I feel important. Go because I always went. Go to eat at the buffet. But all this has nothing to do with the conscious choice of the political elite.

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Adjacent to it, on the one hand, is the private world, and on the other, the world of the state. There can be no democracy unless a middle-ground civil condition involves private interests and beliefs on the one hand and commitment to the state on the other. There certainly cannot be a democracy if private convictions and national allegiances meet directly, dispensing with the middle ground of the civil condition. But democracy is weak and almost meaningless if it does not allow the existence of these two worlds on both sides, if it strives to be identified with the whole of life, personal and public. Democracy is a constant effort to create a sphere of citizenship and to ensure that private beliefs and group affiliations can meet and be united within it in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Democracy must be representative, i.e. its political representatives must correspond to the people in society generally, or at least to a significant extent, so that these people can identify themselves with the political authorities, even if coalitions, alliances and internal party struggles create veils between society and politics that weaken and obscure the connections between them.

The more interest groups become diverse and specialized, the less able they are to address the general problems of society and, as a result, the more democracy weakens. Threatened, on the one hand, by the coercive assertion of social unity and the reluctance to tolerate diversity of interests, democracy is also threatened by a variety of pressure groups whose actions resemble those of economic groups in the market. Democracy is neither a community nor a political market.

(Touraine Alain "What does democracy mean today?")

What two necessary conditions for the implementation of democracy does the author note? Indicate them based on the text.

The author emphasizes that democracy must be representative. How does the author understand the essence of representative democracy? Reveal the author's understanding based on the text. Give two manifestations of representative democracy in the development of the political system of modern society.

The author writes that “democracy is a constant effort to build up the sphere of citizenship and to ensure that private beliefs and group affiliations can meet and be united within it in an atmosphere of mutual respect.” Give three arguments to support the author's conclusion.

What meaning do social scientists put into the concept "political values"? Using knowledge from your social studies course, write two sentences containing information about political values.

Elections to representative bodies of government are held both in democratic countries and in countries with non-democratic regimes. List three features that make it possible to characterize elections as truly democratic.

Illustrate with three examples. activities of the “fourth estate”, the media in political life modern democratic state.

In one of the developed countries of the world, a group of businessmen presented a deputy of the legislative assembly with an expensive Swiss watch as a gift. The fact became known thanks to information in the press. What consequences could such a situation have for a deputy? rule of law? Give two reasons to support your answer.

You are instructed to prepare a detailed answer on the topic "Civil society and the rule of law". Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in sub-points.

By completing task C9, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the content that is more attractive to you. To this end, select only one of the statements below

Select one from the statements below and express your thoughts (your point of view, attitude) regarding the problem raised. Provide the necessary arguments to justify your position.

When completing the task, use knowledge received while studying a social studies course, corresponding concepts, and data public life and one's own life experience.

Read the text and complete tasks 21-24.

Not all democracies are the same. True democracies are political systems in which certain people gain access to power and the right to make decisions through free general elections. However, the mechanisms for electing parliament and forming a government differ depending on the national form of government...

In a presidential republic, power is transferred through direct elections, and not as a result of promotion to a leading position in one or another influential party, as in a parliamentary republic. Parliamentary systems, unlike presidential systems, support and protect strong parties. Thus, when choosing a presidential or parliamentary model, one must proceed from what is preferable: focusing on parties or on individual candidates who won direct elections.

Another difference between political systems is the method of voting to elect candidates to the highest bodies of power: proportional or majoritarian (majority principle). In a majoritarian system, one deputy is elected from each electoral district. The winner of the election is the candidate who receives the most votes. Systems of proportional representation involve the distribution of seats in parliament in accordance with the number of votes received in elections (according to party lists) ...

Often, when deciding whom to vote for, a voter is guided by the following considerations. Citizens vote often based on generally accepted opinions and ideologies, rather than on a careful comparison of different political options for addressing the problems facing the country. In addition, voters willingly listen to the opinions of others, including the calls of the candidates themselves. The outcome of the elections is determined not only by the course of the election campaign, but no less by the personal circumstances, beliefs and preferences of each voter.

(M. Wallerstein)

The text mentions “co-ob-ra-zhe-niya” that influence the behavior of the bi-ra-te-la. Name any of these “co-o-ra-zhe-nies”. Using social science knowledge, indicate one positive and one negative consequence of the voter’s choice under the influence of this “co-option.”

Clarification.

1) Answer to the first question:

Generally accepted opinions and ideologies;

Opinions of others, including calls from the candidates themselves.

2) Answer to the second question (if the opinions of others, including the appeals of the candidates themselves, are indicated as “co-option”):

Positive: most people rarely make mistakes.

Disadvantage: parties can deceive in their promises.

Which of the electoral systems examined by the author most protects strong political parties? Using the text and social science knowledge, explain how this protection is manifested. Name and illustrate with an example any function of political parties that manifests itself in the electoral process.

Clarification.

The correct answer should contain the following elements:

1) Answer to the first question:

Pro-por-tsi-o-nal-naya.

2) Answer to the second question:

Under this system, a strong party of ga-ran-ti-ro-va-no passes into par-la-ment, winning the majority of places in it.

3) Indication of the function and its illustration as an example:

Electoral. At the time of election to the State Duma, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation conducted a pre-election campaign, which ensured support yourself with 20% from bi-ra-te-ley.

The elements of the answer can be given in other, similar in meaning, forms.

Source: Unified State Exam in Social Studies 03/30/2016. Early wave

Based on social science knowledge and facts of public life, give three arguments that confirm the need for elections for the functioning and development of a democratic state.

Clarification.

The correct answer may contain the following ar-gu-men:

1. You-bo-ry, like re-fer-ren-dum, represent a legalized form of direct people’s will, the most important manifestation de-mo-kra-tii.

2. Through elections, citizens do not influence the formation of government bodies and thereby exercise their right to participate in the management of state affairs -mi.

3. Civil society, based on pluralism of opinions and interests of people, is not able to ensure the voluntary obedience of citizens, to avoid acute social explosions, and perhaps even bloody clashes, if the bodies of state power are not formed on a fair election basis with the participation of the citizens themselves Dan.

The elements of the answer can be given in other, similar in meaning, forms.

Karl Popper

Karl Popper(Karl Popper) (1902-1994) - one of the outstanding philosophers of the twentieth century. Born in Vienna, then lived in London, where he taught logic from 1949-1969. He wrote this article in August 1987 for the German weekly Der Spiegel and the Italian newspaper La Stampa.

The problem of democracy

My focus is nature, science and in particular cosmology. Since I broke with Marxism in July 1919, I have been interested in politics and its theory - as a citizen and as a democrat. However, the establishment of harsh totalitarian regimes, right or left, in some countries in the 20s and early 30s, and the rise to power of Hitler in Germany, made me think seriously about the nature of democracy.

And although my book The Open Society and Its Enemies does not contain a single word about Hitler and Nazism, it was perceived as my contribution to the war against Hitler. This book is devoted to the theory of democracy and the defense of democracy against its old and new enemies. It was first published in 1945 and then reprinted many times. Its main characteristic, it seems to me, is the fact that only a few have been able to understand it correctly.

As everyone knows, democracy means popular rule or the rule of the people as opposed to aristocracy (rule by nobles) and monarchy (rule by one). However, this literal meaning explains little, since the people as such do not rule anywhere. Governments rule everywhere, and also, unfortunately, bureaucracies - in other words, functionaries who never bear any responsibility or do so very rarely.

Moreover, although Great Britain, Denmark, Norway and Sweden are monarchies, they are also exemplary democracies (with the possible exception of Sweden, where the bureaucracy has now acquired almost dictatorial power). In contrast, East Germany, which calls itself a democracy, has nothing in common with this model.

Two forms of state

So what is the basis of democracy? De facto, there are only two forms of government: the one in which a bloodless change of government through elections is possible, and the one in which this is impossible. Usually the first form is called democracy, and the second - dictatorship or tyranny. And there is no need to play with words (as in the case of the German Democratic Republic). The criterion is the possibility of a bloodless overthrow of the government.

The only way to overthrow a government is by voting

There are various methods to overthrow a government. The best are elections: new elections or voting in a freely elected parliament. Here's the basics.

Therefore, in principle, the question is incorrect: who should rule? The people (plebs) or the best? “Good” workers or “bad” capitalists, as they were contrasted from the era of Plato to the era of Marx and beyond? Majority or minority? Left, right or center? All these questions are incorrect. Because where a bloodless change of government is possible, it no longer matters who rules. Any government that knows that it can be removed at any moment strives to please voters. However, this trend does not exist where changing governments is difficult.

Churchill

To demonstrate how important this theory of democracy is in practice, I would like to apply it to the problem of proportional elections. If I criticize here the form of voting established by the German constitution, it is only in order to start a debate on an issue that, as far as I know, is hardly discussed. The Constitution should not be changed for any reason at any moment, but critical discussion with a view to better understanding its contents will not hurt it. Most Western European democracies have different electoral systems from the UK and US, which are based on the idea of ​​local representation. In the UK, each constituency sends one representative to parliament: the one who receives the majority of votes, regardless of party affiliation. He must represent the interests of the residents of the district that elected him, regardless of their party affiliation. Of course, parties continue to exist and play an important role in the formation of government, but when a member of a constituency sees that in the interests of his constituency or even the whole people he needs to vote against his party or even leave its ranks, he must do so. One of the greatest statesmen of our century, Winston Churchill, changed parties twice and was never an obedient party activist.

The role of parties

In continental Europe the situation is completely different. Under a proportional system, each party sends a certain number of its representatives to parliament, who are obliged to work out the votes received in the most devoted manner. To this end, the role of parties is recognized by the Constitution, and the right to create them is considered one of the fundamental rights. A deputy is elected as a representative of a particular party. He is not allowed to vote against his party. He is morally bound to it, since he was elected only as a representative of this party (if he leaves for the opposition, his moral duty is considered to resign, even if the constitution does not oblige him to do so).

Of course, I understand the need for parties to exist. Until now, no one has managed to create a democratic system that can do without parties altogether. Political parties are not the most “pleasant” phenomenon. At the same time, without them, political life stops: our democracies are not people's democracies, but party democracies, in other words, the rule of party leaders. Because the larger a party, the less democratic it is, as a result those who vote for it have less and less influence over its leader and program.

The belief that a parliament elected through a proportional system best represents the interests of the people is incorrect. Such a parliament does not represent either the people or their interests, but only reflects the propaganda influence of parties on the population at the time of elections. Moreover, it makes it difficult to turn Election Day into what it should be: a day of popular assessment of the government's performance.

There is no theory of democracy

Thus, there is neither an acceptable theory of democracy nor a theory that recognizes the need for proportional elections. Therefore, we must ask ourselves how, in practice, does the proportional system affect the formation of a government (which also includes the question of the possibility of the resignation of that government)?

Criticism of the proportional system

The more parties there are, the more difficult it is to form a government. This is an undeniable reality. In a two-party system, forming a government is very easy. But under a proportional system, even tiny parties can have a large (and often decisive) influence on the formation of the government and, therefore, on political decisions.

No one will argue with this statement. And everyone knows that the proportional system leads to an increase in the number of parties. But as long as we believe that the “essence” of democracy is popular rule, as democrats we are forced to accept such difficulties, since the proportional system seems to many to be most consistent with this “essence”.

However, the proportional system and multi-party system have another huge drawback when the question arises of changing the government through the expression of the people's will, for example, through parliamentary elections. With a large number of parties, it is difficult to ensure that one of the parties has an absolute majority. And even the most marginal parties cannot be “dismissed”, regardless of the number of votes they receive.

Secondly, election day under this system does not become the day of popular assessment of the government’s activities. Sometimes a government turns out to be a minority government. And for this reason, he cannot do what he considers necessary to do. It is forced to make concessions. Or it becomes a coalition government in which none of the participating parties bears any responsibility.

Thus, people get used to the fact that neither the government nor political parties and their leaders bear any responsibility. And no one perceives a party losing 5 or 10 percent of the vote as a damning verdict. In this regard, they think only about a temporary drop in popularity.

Therefore, even if the majority of voters want the government to resign, this does not mean that the resignation will occur. Because even if the party that until now had an absolute majority (and seemingly the greatest responsibility) loses this majority, under a proportional system it still remains the most influential force. It can form a government coalition based on a small party. And even if it loses the elections, its leader continues to rule against the will of the majority, relying on the decisions of a small party that is far from representing the “will of the people.”

In addition, a small party could lead to the fall of the government without holding new elections and form a new government with opposition parties. But this contradicts the very idea behind the proportional system: the idea that a party's influence should be proportionate to the number of its voters.

Very often we see situations like this. Both where there are a large number of parties and where they form coalitions, such situations are more than common.

Two party system

Of course, similar situations may arise in countries where there is no proportional system. But in countries like the UK and the US, there is a tendency for two competing parties to fight. In this regard, Winston Churchill said: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all others.” By this he wanted to emphasize that none of the forms of government is ideal and free from corruption. And yet, democracy is the optimal of all forms of government found so far.

Based on this logic, I would say that the two-party system is the best form of democracy. Because it leads parties to self-criticism. When one of the two big parties is defeated, it usually initiates radical internal reforms of its own. This is a consequence of competition and the unequivocal position of the electorate, which cannot be ignored. Thanks to this system, parties are forced to learn from their mistakes. Otherwise, they're finished.

In criticizing the proportional system, I do not at all seek to advise all democracies to abandon this formula. I would just like to start a debate on this issue. The belief that the moral superiority of the proportional system can be logically proven is naive and does not stand up to deep analysis.

Morally Flawed Theory

In conclusion, I would like to say that I do not agree with the idea that the proportional system is more democratic than the Anglo-American system, since it is based on an outdated theory of understanding democracy as the power of the people (which refers us in turn to the so-called theory of sovereignty states). This theory is morally wrong and outdated, since it was replaced by the theory of the possibility of displacement, which leads to the creation of a new majority.

The moral argument, I think, is even more important than the practical argument that it is not necessary for there to be more than two parties, responsible and competing with each other, to enable the voters to pass judgment on the government by their votes. A proportional system carries with it the danger that the decision of the majority will be minimized and that a party that is defeated in an election will not learn from it the necessary lessons that are necessary for the existence of democracy. In order for the majority to be able to make decisions, it is important to have a strong and skillful political opposition. Otherwise, voters are often forced to maintain bad government simply because there is no better alternative.

The True Function of Political Parties

But isn't advocating a two-party system counterintuitive to the idea of ​​an open society? Isn't tolerance for different opinions and theories, called pluralism, a characteristic of a free society striving to find the truth? And isn’t this pluralism manifested in the existence of a multi-party system?

I will answer as follows. The function of a political party is to form a government or, as an opposition, to exercise critical control over the government. Critically monitor means to monitor the government's tolerance towards different opinions, ideologies, religions.

Some ideologies will try - successfully or unsuccessfully - to dominate or change the party. Thus, there is an alternation of opinions, ideologies, religions, and, on the other hand, competition between major parties.

But the idea that pluralism of opinions must necessarily lead to a multi-party system seems to me politically incorrect. And not only politically, but also philosophically. Because too close a connection with party politics does not fit well with the purity of doctrine.

The answers to tasks 1–20 are a number, or a sequence of numbers, or a word (phrase). Write your answers in the fields to the right of the assignment number without spaces, commas or other additional characters.

1

Write down the word missing in the table.

Characteristics of a person

2

In the given series, find a concept that is generalizing for all other concepts presented. Write down this word (phrase).

Capabilities; worldview; character; interests; personality.

3

Below is a list of functions performed by banks. All of them, with the exception of two, belong to the sphere of activity of commercial banks.

1) setting the discount rate; 2) purchase and sale of currency; 3) sale of traveler's checks; 4) servicing company accounts; 5) carrying out a monopoly issue of money; 6) opening and servicing of citizens’ deposits.

Find two terms that “fall out” from the general series and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

4

Select the correct judgments about cognition and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. The forms of rational knowledge are sensation, perception, and representation.

2. Forms of sensory knowledge include concepts and judgments.

3. Rational knowledge allows us to identify essential features, connections, patterns, laws.

4. The sensory stage (stage) of cognition is characterized by the reproduction of external features and properties of objects.

5. Sensory cognition involves the direct influence of cognizable objects on the senses.

5

Establish a correspondence between the characteristics and types (types) of culture: for each element given in the first column, select the corresponding element from the second column.

6

Scientists study the social structure of modern society. What methods that distinguish scientific knowledge from other types of cognitive activity can they use? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. modeling processes of social differentiation in conditions of economic crisis

2. putting forward and testing hypotheses about the directions of social policy to mitigate income inequality

3. theoretical justification of the data obtained

4. development and implementation of a set of measures of state support for low-income families

5. description of cases of social differentiation of the population

6. assessment of the facts of social stratification of society from the standpoint of the ideals of equality and justice

7

Select the correct judgments about costs in the short run and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. Variable costs in the short term directly depend on the volume of products produced.

2. Fixed costs do not depend on the volume of production.

3. Variable costs in the short term include payments on a previously taken loan.

4. Product cost is also called fixed costs.

5. Fixed costs in the short term include insurance premiums and security payments.

8

Establish a correspondence between factors and types of economic growth: for each position given in the first column, select the corresponding position from the second column.

9

Anna Nikolaevna, a pensioner, works in a library. She received an inheritance. She placed one part of these funds on a bank deposit, and spent the other on drawing up a property insurance contract. Anna Nikolaevna also took out a loan to purchase a plot of land. Which of the following applies to Anna Nikolaevna’s income? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

2. salary

3. land tax

4. interest on loan

5. insurance premiums

6. interest on deposit

10

The figure shows the change in the supply of dairy products in the corresponding market: the supply line S has moved to a new position - S 1. (P – price; Q – quantity.)

Which of the following factors could cause this change? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. reducing the cost of feed for cows

2. expectations of increased consumption of dairy products

3. bankruptcy of several dairy farms

4. increase in energy prices

5. construction of new dairy factories

11

Choose the correct judgments about interethnic relations and write down the numbers. under which they are indicated.

1. Any interethnic relations are legally established.

2. One of the ways to harmonize interethnic relations is the development of cultural ties between peoples.

3. Ethnosocial conflict is characterized by a state of mutual claims, open confrontation between ethnic groups, peoples and nations.

4. Expanding contacts between peoples in all spheres of public life contributes to the development of interethnic relations.

5. Ethnic assimilation is a conflict between representatives of different nations and nationalities.

12

Scientists surveyed a group of 45-year-old residents of country Z. Women and men were asked the question: “Why is the educational potential of the family declining?” The survey results are presented in a histogram.

What conclusions can be drawn from the results obtained? Select the required items from the list and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. Men and women are unanimous in identifying the main factor that reduces the educational potential of the family.

2. Men, to a greater extent than women, feel a lack of knowledge necessary for raising children.

3. Poor relationships between parents as a reason for the decline in the educational potential of the family are underestimated by those surveyed.

4. Women evaluate the interference of relatives in raising children more negatively than men.

5. When assessing various factors influencing the upbringing of children, men attach importance to family composition to a lesser extent than women.

13

Select the correct judgments about the political elite and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. The political elite is a group of people that is a constitutionally approved source of power in any state.

2. The political elite nominates political leaders.

3. The main functions of the political elite include the production and consumption of material goods.

4. In relation to power, the political elite is divided into the ruling and counter-elite.

5. The political elite is a relatively small independent group capable of making political decisions.

14

Establish a correspondence between the powers and the subjects of government exercising these powers: for each position given in the first column, select the corresponding position from the second column.

15

Political reforms were carried out in State Z. Which of the above facts indicate that the state has become legal? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. The basic law of the state reflects and implements in practice guarantees of individual rights and freedoms.

2. The republican form of government was approved.

3. The autonomy and independence of the branches of government has been legislatively introduced.

4. Citizens support the reforms carried out.

5. The Conservative Party won the elections.

6. The rule of law has been proclaimed in all spheres of life.

16

Which of the following applies to the personal (civil) rights (freedoms) of a citizen of the Russian Federation? Write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. the right to participate in the administration of justice

2. right to life

3. the right to defend one’s honor and good name

4. the right to be elected to government bodies

5. right to privacy of correspondence and telephone conversations

17

Establish a correspondence between the feature (indicated by letters) and the type (indicated by numbers) of the electoral system.

18

Sergei is 44 years old and successfully passed the job interview. But the employer gave preference to another applicant who passed the interview less successfully, only because he was five years younger than Sergei. Find in the list the items that correspond to the legal context of the situation described, and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. discrimination

2. criminal law

3. victim

4. application to the police department

5. lawsuit

6. labor law

19

Choose the correct judgments about the rights and responsibilities of spouses and write down the numbers under which they are indicated.

1. The personal rights of spouses include the right to common, joint property.

2. When entering into marriage, spouses may add the spouse’s surname to their surname if the premarital surname was not double.

3. Common property, in particular, includes dishes, furniture, household electrical appliances, a car, housing, as well as the income of each spouse from work.

4. Upon divorce, the question of division of all property of the spouses is raised.

5. Items acquired to meet the needs of minor children are not subject to division.

Read the text below, in which a number of words are missing. Select from the list provided the words that need to be inserted in place of the gaps.

20

“According to the classical definition, ________(A) is a community of people based on marriage, joint housekeeping, moral ________(B) and spiritual attachment. It performs a whole range of functions that are essential for the existence of society: ________ (B) people; transfer from generation to generation of the most important social ________ (G), attitudes, knowledge. Its main functions also include organizing the household. The family carries out social ________(D). Family members provide each other with emotional support. The basis of the nuclear family is ________(E) - a state-sanctioned and regulated form of relationship between a man and a woman, defining their rights and responsibilities.”

The words (phrases) in the list are given in the nominative case. Each word (phrase) can be used only once.

Select one word (phrase) after another, mentally filling in each gap. Please note that there are more words (phrases) in the list than you will need to fill in the gaps.

List of terms:

2. control

3. institute

4. mutual responsibility

7. mobility

8. marriage

9. reproduction

Part 2.

First write down the number of the task (28, 29, etc.), and then a detailed answer to it. Write down your answers clearly and legibly.

Read the text and complete tasks 21-24.

Not all democracies are the same. True democracies are political systems in which certain people gain access to power and the right to make decisions through free general elections. However, the mechanisms for electing parliament and forming a government differ depending on the national form of government...

In a presidential republic, power is transferred through direct elections, and not as a result of promotion to a leading position in one or another influential party, as in a parliamentary republic. Parliamentary systems, unlike presidential systems, support and protect strong parties. Thus, when choosing a presidential or parliamentary model, one must proceed from what is preferable: focusing on parties or on individual candidates who won direct elections.

Another difference between political systems is the method of voting to elect candidates to the highest bodies of power: proportional or majoritarian (majority principle). In a majoritarian system, one deputy is elected from each electoral district. The winner of the election is the candidate who receives the most votes. Systems of proportional representation involve the distribution of seats in parliament in accordance with the number of votes received in elections (according to party lists) ...

Often, when deciding whom to vote for, a voter is guided by the following considerations. Citizens vote often based on generally accepted opinions and ideologies, rather than on a careful comparison of different political options for addressing the problems facing the country. In addition, voters willingly listen to the opinions of others, including the calls of the candidates themselves. The outcome of the elections is determined not only by the course of the election campaign, but no less by the personal circumstances, beliefs and preferences of each voter.

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elements:

2) Two types of republican form of government are named: Presidential and parliamentary republics

3) In a presidential republic, power is transferred through direct elections, and in a parliamentary republic - as a result of promotion to leading positions in one or another influential party.

The text mentions “considerations” that influence voter behavior. Name any of these “considerations.” Using social science knowledge, identify one positive and one negative consequence of the voter's choice under the influence of this “consideration.”

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The correct answer must contain the following elements:

1. One of the “considerations” is named:

2. One negative and one positive consequence are named:

Negative consequence: there is a possibility that a leader who is unable to solve the acute political problems of the state will come to power. Positive consequence: people who make a choice using this method already feel sympathy for this government and support it, which means there will be no discontent, revolutionary outbreaks, etc.

Other positive and negative consequences may be written.

Which of the electoral systems examined by the author most protects strong political parties? Using the text and social studies knowledge, explain how this defense manifests itself. Name and illustrate with an example any function of political parties that is manifested in the electoral process.

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The correct answer must contain the following elements:

1. Answer to the first question: Proportional.

2. An explanation is given of how the protection of parties is manifested: This protection is manifested in the fact that with a proportional electoral system, each party receives a number of mandates in a representative body in proportion to the number of votes cast for its candidates in the elections. Consequently, strong political parties receive more votes.

3. The function of political parties, which is manifested in the electoral process, is named and illustrated with an example: In the electoral process, the electoral function of political parties is manifested (for example, Party D made an election program on TV).

Elements of the answer can be given in other formulations that are similar in meaning.

Based on social science knowledge and facts of public life, give three arguments confirming the need for elections for the functioning and development of a democratic state.

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The following can be given arguments:

1) a democratic state is based on democracy, and elections are one of the channels that allows citizens to directly participate in political life;

2) elections guarantee the replacement of outdated personnel with newer ones interested in solving pressing problems of the state;

3) democratic elections are publicly available, which means that every citizen has the opportunity to get into the supreme power.

What meaning do social scientists give to the concept of “globalization”? Using your social science course knowledge, compose two sentences: one sentence containing information about any one manifestation of globalization in the economic sphere, and one sentence revealing any one negative manifestation of globalization.

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The correct answer must contain the following elements:

1) meaning of the concept, for example: Globalization is the process of integration of states and peoples in different fields of activity; (Another, similar definition or explanation of the meaning of the concept may be given.)

2) one sentence with information about one of the manifestations of globalization in the economic sphere: One of the manifestations of the development of globalization trends is the dominance of transnational corporations in the world economy;

(Another sentence may be written containing information about one of the manifestations of globalization in the economic sphere.)

3) one sentence, which, based on course knowledge, reveals one of the negative manifestations of globalization, for example: Negative manifestations of globalization include the increase in the number of armed conflicts; manifestation of separatism and terrorism.

(Another sentence can be made that, based on knowledge of the course, reveals one of the negative manifestations of globalization.)

Name any three positive formal social sanctions and illustrate each with an example.

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The correct answer can name and illustrate the following positive formal social sanctions:

1. Awards (For example, novice marketer R. was awarded a prize for developing a promising sales strategy).

2. State awards (For example, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation announced an award to FSB officers (letters of gratitude, certificates and watches) for solving the murder of a policeman’s family near Syzran).

3. Admission to high positions and honorary functions (For example, the General Director of a large company T.Sh. was elected Chairman of the Board of the Association of European Businesses (AEB).

Other positive formal social sanctions can be named and other examples given.

Nikolai Petrovich decided to open a store selling spare parts for cars. He sought advice from the tax authorities at his place of registration to find out what taxes and in what amount he would have to pay. Are tax authorities obliged to provide him with such information? Justify your answer. Name any two responsibilities of a taxpayer.

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The correct answer must contain the following elements:

1) the answer to the first question is given, the rationale for the answer:

Yes, tax authorities are required to provide taxpayers with information about the taxes they pay. According to Article 21 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation, taxpayers have the right to complete and accurate information about tax legislation, the rights granted to them by law and the amount of taxes.

2) Names of any two obligations of the taxpayer:

1. the taxpayer is obliged to pay legally established taxes in full and within the specified period;

2. is obliged to keep records of income, expenses, and taxable items in accordance with the established procedure;

3. is obliged to eliminate violations identified by the tax authorities.

Other responsibilities of the taxpayer may be mentioned.

You are instructed to prepare a detailed answer on the topic “Competition and its functions in a market economy.” Make a plan according to which you will cover this topic. The plan must contain at least three points, of which two or more are detailed in subparagraphs.

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One of the options for a plan for covering this topic:

1. The concept of competition as a mechanism of self-regulation of a market economy.

2. Main types of competition:

a) competition among sellers; buyer competition;

b) perfect (pure) and imperfect competition;

c) intra-industry and inter-industry competition;

d) price (explicit and hidden) and non-price competition.

3. Functions of competition in a market economy:

a) stimulating growth in production efficiency;

b) reducing prices and improving quality;

c) ensuring focus on consumer needs.

4. Positive aspects:

a) promotes the development of scientific and technological progress;

b) is sensitive to changes in demand.

5. Negative aspects:

a) leads to income differentiation;

b) creates conditions for unemployment and inflation.

6. Protection of competition by the state from monopolization in a market economy (Antimonopoly legislation).

The answer may contain a different number and other correct wording of points and sub-points of the plan. They can be presented in nominal, question or mixed forms. The absence of any two of the 3, 4 and 5 points of the plan (presented in the form of points or sub-points) in this or a wording similar in meaning will not allow us to reveal the content of this topic on its merits.

By completing task 29, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills on the content that is more attractive to you. For this purpose, select only ONE of the statements below (29.1-29.5).

Choose one of the statements proposed below, reveal its meaning in the form of a mini-essay, indicating, if necessary, different aspects of the problem posed by the author (the topic raised).

When expressing your thoughts about the raised problem (designated topic), when arguing your point of view, use the knowledge gained from studying the social studies course, relevant concepts, as well as facts of social life and your own life experience. (Give at least two examples from different sources for factual argumentation.)

29.1. Philosophy"Revolution is a barbaric form of progress." (J. Jaurès)

29.2. Economy“Businesses can get stuck if they focus on competitors instead of customers.” (D. Bezos)

29.3. Sociology, social psychology“Youth is the spring time of a person, in which seeds are sown for future years of life.” (Ya. Knyazhnin)

29.4. Political science“Political culture is a manifestation of how people perceive politics and how they interpret what they see.” (S. Verba)

29.5. Jurisprudence“The law cannot make people free: the people themselves must make the law free.” (G. Thoreau)