The Single Party State

In order to create a more perfect union...

• Which is the best type of political organization?
• What does a "more perfect union" mean?
• Is a Democratic State the best type of State?
• Why?

But, what do we mean by Democracy?

• In principle means two things:
• a) Many rulers take political decision
• b) A certain condition in which all citizens are "equal"
• Thus, political power arises from a collectivity
• Power dwells in the people, not God, wealth or tradition.

Aristotle and question of Democracy

• Greek Philosopher
• He reflected on  political sistems
• He posed a question on Dem:
• Who is the righteous ruler of a Democracy?

Democracy in the XX century

• What happens when democracy fails?
• The XX century was marked by failed democracies
• By Individuals who deviated the meaning of democracy
• Who used a economical and social crisis in their favor
• Who used the power of the people to meet their own intrests

The Single Party State

• The modern deviant of Democracy
• Born from it
• But eventually contradicted its meaning
• Ultimately, lead to a Totalitarianism 

The Single Party State as a System

• Although name is self explanatory
• System in which ONE Political Party:
• 1) Is the Government
• 2) Dictates the Political life and ideology
• 3) Outlaws all other opposing parties/ideologies

Two types of Single Party States

• 1) Democratically-Elected
• 2) Non Democratically-Elected (Imposed)
• However, their features are quite similar:
• Suppression of democratic principles
• Systematic attack on State's enemies. 

Which conditions may produce a SPS?

• Failed Democracy
• Real or Fake Security Threat
• Economical Crisis
• Political Vacuum 
• Social Unrest 

In consequence,

• A Political Party seizes this oppotunity
• Promising: food, jobs and stability
• In exchange for 
• 1) People's total obidience
• 2) People's support in suppressing democracy 

The Rise and Rule of the USSR

• Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
• February Revolution 1917 : 
• Destroyed major political institutions
• Struggle for power, Bolsheviks
• Rendered a weak provisional Government

Alongside,

• Russian Society was destroyed by the War
• Unemployment was dramatically high
• People in major cities had no food security
• Widespread Poverty

Untitled Slide

• 1) Political Vaccum
• 2) Damaged Society
• 3) Strong and Charismatic Leader
• 4) Strong Party

The Provisional Government

• Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, Kadets
• Liberal Policies: State/ Church. Civil Rights
• Inability to enforce law
• Its power was limited to Moscow and St. Petersburg
• Lack of Unity

Charismatic Leadership

• A certain personality quality
• That sets him apart from the masses
• He/She appears as superhuman or with supreme powers
• His personality makes him a natural leader

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE PARTY STATE

• Strong an efficient army
• Propaganda
• Mass and social policies
• Nationalization

THE RED ARMY

• Engineered by Lev Trotsky
• Largest Army in Russsia
• Defeated the White Army
• Took control over strategic areas
• Suppressed opposition

PEACE, LAND AND BREAD

• The tangible political objectives
• Addressing and solving social problems
• Spread political ideas and programs
• Legitimize the leader
• Unite people against a common enemy

MASS POLICIES

• Lenin supported progressive ideas
• Gender equality, elimination of social classes
• State to provide basic needs
• From housing to job creation
• Integrate everyone within the State's structures

NATIONALIZATION

• Exerting direct control over an economy
• Government took control over all economical activities
• Gov. manages industrial and agricultural production
• Satisfy state's needs
• Impose an ideology