Main Spheres of Social Life: The Political Sphere

The Political System: Essence, Structure, and Functions

The complexity and diversity of social phenomena related to politics allow us to speak of the political system as a collection of interconnected elements that form a stable integrity, possessing specific integrative characteristics and internal laws unique to this community.

Scientific knowledge of the political system encompasses two approaches. In the first, the political system is presented as a theoretical, ideal construct that enables the identification and description of systemic properties of various political phenomena. Under this approach, the political system is viewed not as a mere reflection of political reality, but as a means of conducting systematic analysis of politics. In this sense, the term "political system" can be applied to any relatively coherent and independent political entity: a state, a party, a trade union, a socio-political movement, etc., each of which can be regarded as a specific political system.

In another interpretation, the concept of the "political system" defines the actual complex mechanism of forming and functioning of power relations within society. This mechanism includes political activities and relationships among different political subjects (groups and individuals); political organization, which encompasses states, parties, political associations, as well as political and legal norms, political consciousness, and political culture.

When analyzing political phenomena, it is prudent to employ both approaches. Thus, the political system constitutes a complex and specific phenomenon with internally organized connections and properties of its elements. It can be defined as a systemic aggregate of political relations, legal and political norms, institutions, and ideas related to the formation, exercise of power, and governance of society.

From this, we can derive the functions of the political system, among which the following can be distinguished as primary:

1. Defining the tactical and strategic goals and tasks of society;
2. Developing and employing a system of means for preserving and protecting the social order;
3. Mobilizing material, spiritual, and human resources;
4. Facilitating the authoritative-political and socio-political integration of society;
5. Regulating the regime of socio-political relations and activities;
6. Legitimizing or achieving an adequate degree of conformity between actual political life and officially proclaimed political and legal norms.

The principal functions of the political system are generally considered to be the determination of the goals and objectives of society, as well as the mobilization of all resources to achieve these goals and the regulation of the regime of political activity. The functions of integration and legitimization are not solely the functions of the political system, but also pertain to the spiritual-cultural, economic, and other spheres. However, the significance and role of any given function may change depending on the specific historical conditions of societal development.

In fulfilling its functions, the political system ensures a cohesive guiding influence on society as a unified organism effectively managed by political authority.

The analysis of the political system reveals its structure, which comprises the internal organization of the holistic system as a specific mode of interconnection and interaction among its components; a stable ordering of elements; and the regular relationships between these elements.

The first fundamental element of the political system within society is the political relationships among individuals, social and ethnic groups, nations, states, the state and its citizens, and citizens and their organizations regarding power, as well as the formulation and execution of policies. A significant role in the actual formation and functioning of political relations is played by the system of organs and positions within state, party, and civic organizations.

Thus, the core element of the political system is the political organization of society, which includes the state and its institutions, political parties, socio-political organizations and movements, and labor collectives with their self-governing bodies.