In a broad sense, democracy is understood not simply as the organization of political government, but as a form of organization of a society with a certain worldview. This form corresponds to their own institutions of power. The theoretical justification of the fundamental understanding of this method of government was first laid by J.J. Russo.
The core values of modern democracy are concentrated in the formula "Any person is born free, all people are equal in rights." The principles of democracy begin with the main value - freedom. It is regarded as the basis of any society of this type. As the main value of the regime, freedom does not prescribe specific behavior, does not impose the content of people's activities, but opens up the possibility for them to choose them at their discretion.
All rights and freedoms are divided into groups such as economic, elementary, civil, cultural, political and social rights.
The principles of democracy are impossible without such value as the principle of equality of people. By this principle is meant not the identity of all people, but their equality in rights and obligations in the Christian sense. Everyone has the right to happiness, freedom, life. This mode seeks to provide people with all the opportunities for personal development. Regardless of social, racial, religious, or other differences. The rights of all people are protected by the law, as well as by the civil society organization itself. The more developed is civil society, the more developed are the principles of democracy.
The basic principles of this type of political regime include the principle of pluralism. Since freedom is proclaimed the main value, society must also ensure the obligation to protect it. This implies the worldview, religious, ideological, economic and political pluralism of Western regimes. Pluralism is understood as a variety of forms of ownership, ideological movements, public interests, etc. This concept itself grew out of the ideology of liberalism.
Based on all these values, modern principles of democracy imply a prerequisite of government - by the majority in protecting the rights of the minority. Given the diversity of opinions, it is rather difficult to make decisions that satisfy everyone. Therefore, a logical solution to this problem is the adoption of decisions on the principle of the majority. Power is given to the circle of people for whom the majority of voters vote in elections.
However, these basic principles of democracy do not lead to neglect of the interests of the minority and do not prohibit them from defending their positions and beliefs. Therefore, the regime recognizes the opposition’s right to exist, as well as the possibility of its coming to power in the next election. Guaranteeing the rights of the opposition is another important rule on which all principles and norms of democracy are based.
The basis of the political structure of the state in this context is the functioning of some institutions. These include elected officials, fair and free elections, the universal right to apply for various positions in the government, freedom of speech, the existence of a large number of sources of information and freedom of self-organization of citizens.
Understanding and interpretation of political democracy are quite diverse, as evidenced by a large number of theories (existing concepts are divided into collectivist and representative). For a deep understanding of this concept, it is necessary to consider democracy in the interpretation of various scientific concepts. Based on certain criteria, these theories can be compared, and draw your own conclusions.