Understanding the State and its Democratic Forms

The State and Its Elements

The State is the set of institutions created to organize the life and activities of people living in the same territory. These people are governed by the same laws under the same power. It comprises:

• The Territory: The State’s territory is usually well-delimited by borders, separating it from other states and territories.
• The Population: The people living within the territory of a state are subject to its laws. They have a series of rights and obligations that affect all citizens equally.
• Power: The State establishes laws governing social relations and ensures compliance with the law through the judiciary. It is responsible for order within its territory and for its external security. It has exclusive competence in foreign policy, taxes, levies, directing the economy, providing public services, and administering and managing collective infrastructure and equipment.

Elements of a Democratic State

A state is democratic when citizens participate in the work of the government. Direct democracy occurs when citizens, gathered in an assembly or referendum, make decisions. Usually, representative democracy is practiced, where citizens appoint representatives by elections who exercise sovereignty in their name. The people elect a parliament, which approves laws and elects the Prime Minister.

• Elections must be free, allowing citizens to present themselves as candidates. They must be plural, with different options presented to voters. They should have universal suffrage, allowing all citizens of age to participate as voters. They should be periodical, with parties submitting to new elections regularly.
• Political Parties present their programs to the citizens, outlining their intended targets if they come to power, and present candidates for the elections.
• Division of Powers:
  • Parliament elaborates and votes on laws, serving as the legislature and controlling the government.
  • The Government determines policy and applies it to the state through administration, fulfilling the executive function.
  • The Judiciary ensures law enforcement, judges disputes between citizens, and punishes those who do not comply with the law, performing the judicial function.

Democratic States: Monarchy and Republics

Some democratic states are parliamentary monarchies. In these states, the highest authority is the King, but sovereignty resides in the people. The King reigns but does not govern and must swear allegiance to the Constitution. Other democratic countries are parliamentary republics. In these states, the functions of the head of state are performed by the President of the Republic, who is elected by the citizens.

Liberal and Social States

A liberal state seeks not to interfere in the economy of enterprises or social relationships, believing the economy should operate according to its own rules and under the law of the market. A social state intervenes in some economic and social spheres to address needs.

Centralized and Decentralized States

A state exercises power in a centralized manner when decisions affecting all regions or territories are taken up by the central government. A state exercises power in a decentralized manner when power is shared with the different territories that comprise it, delegating powers to them.

Non-Democratic Regimes

• Absolute Monarchy: The King concentrates all the power.
• Dictatorship: A regime in which a person, with the support of a political party, ethnic group, or the army, governs with absolute power.