THE ROLE OF DEMOCRACY IN THE EXERCISE OF STATE POWER: INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
Keywords:
State power, democracy, legitimacy, rule of law, separation of powers, inclusive institutions, democratic backsliding, political stability.Abstract
This article examines the fundamental role of democracy in the exercise of state power, analyzing its institutional mechanisms and its vital function in ensuring societal stability. The study explores how democratic principles—specifically the rule of law, the separation of powers, electoral systems, and civil society—directly impact the legitimacy and effectiveness of the state. Drawing on established political science and legal frameworks, the analysis demonstrates that inclusive and accountable political institutions do not weaken state authority but rather enhance its long-term capacity. Furthermore, the paper addresses modern challenges, particularly the phenomenon of "democratic backsliding," and discusses how the erosion of democratic norms threatens effective public administration and institutional integrity.
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