Understanding State, Government, and Political Power
Understanding State, Government, and Power
The State
The state encompasses all organs of government within a sovereign country.
Forms of State
This refers to how the head of state is presented:
- Monarchy: The head of state is a king or queen who inherits the position.
- Republic: The head of state is a president.
Government and Political Systems
A political system is defined by who exercises power:
- Democratic: Sovereignty resides in the people. This can be a:
- Constitutional Monarchy (e.g., Spain, UK).
- Republic, where the president is elected:
- Directly by citizens (e.g., France, USA).
- Indirectly, through parliament (e.g., Germany).
- Authoritarian or Dictatorial: A tyrant or a single party governs, disregarding the popular will. This can manifest as an absolute monarchy or a dictatorial regime.
State Subdivisions
- Unitary: A single central power exists, which may devolve power to autonomous communities (e.g., Spain).
- Federal: Several states unite to form a union or federation.
Division of Powers in Democratic States
Power is divided to ensure checks and balances:
- Legislative Power: Resides in parliament; creates laws and controls the executive branch.
- Executive Power: Resides in the government; implements laws, directs administration, and upholds the rule of law.
- Judicial Power: Resides in the courts; ensures law enforcement and punishes violations.
Power and Political Power
Power, in general, is the ability to do something or produce an intentional effect. In a political context, it’s the ability to influence the conduct of others.
Political power is exercised over public affairs, the state government, and its institutions through political channels.
Legality vs. Legitimacy
- Legal: Compliant with laws and the law.
- Lawful: Just and lawful.
Power is legal if obtained and exercised in compliance with state laws.
Power is legitimate only if laws and election procedures are fair, exercised with citizen consent, respect the rights of all, and are governed by ethical standards.
Sovereignty
Sovereignty, in general, is the ultimate right to command or make laws. Historically, the sovereign was the monarch; in democracies, this power rests with the people.
A sovereign state has the right to prevent interference in its affairs.
Democracy as a Form of Government
Democracy is a way of organizing political power to prevent injustice and discrimination. It is not perfect and faces challenges such as direct vs. indirect elections, balancing majority rule with minority rights, and the independence of political power from economic influence.
Democracy is also a way of life based on dignity, providing benefits and imposing duties. It is a project subject to ethical standards and values.
The Spanish Constitution
The Spanish Constitution is the highest law of the state. Article 1 states that Spain is a social and democratic state under the rule of law, where sovereignty resides in the people.
The higher values that should govern are freedom, equality, justice, and political pluralism. Article 10 establishes the foundation of political order and social peace: dignity, inviolable rights inherent to dignity, free development of personality, and respect for the law and the rights of others.
Tolerance
Tolerance is a virtue that applies to democratic issues affecting fundamental values.
Political Ideals vs. Political Realism
- The Political Ideal: The ruler should respect the law and moral principles, should not believe that the end justifies the means, and should seek justice for all. They should also be idealistic and believe that dialogue and reason are superior to force.
- The Political Realist: The ruler should be astute and willing to break laws if it benefits their nation. They believe the end justifies the means and that the world is a constant struggle for survival, where only strength is obeyed.
The word “idealist” is often used as an insult, implying naivete. In contrast, realists are seen as understanding the harsh realities of the world.
Ongoing Evolution of Democracy
The evolution towards democratic systems has been a continuous effort, and we must continue striving for its expansion. Power is not based on the strength of the one who holds it, but on their ability to propose new projects. It is not absolute, as it is subject to laws and higher values of justice.
Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the right of citizens to participate in government, to be elected, and to express their will.