"Any power corrupts, but absolute power and absolutely corrupts!", "If you want to know what kind of person he is, give him power!" There are a great many similar statements in any language of the world. It is a painfully complicated and dangerous thing - power. She can turn your head, lead astray. There are few examples when a seemingly honest, worthy person, having come to power, was magically transformed and began to use it for personal enrichment. Therefore, people have always asked questions: how to ensure that any holder of power was under the control of society and the law?
Instructions
Step 1
The ancient Romans had such a law: in the event of an emergency that threatened the very existence of the state, a dictator could be elected. A man with a truly immense power. Suffice it to say that, on his order, any person could be executed without trial, except for the tribune of the people! But the dictator had unlimited power for only six months. Immediately after the expiration of this 6-month period, he could be charged and brought to trial.
Step 2
The Great French Revolution was also victorious because its leaders promised the people to put an end to class privileges and abuses in courts, to build a just society. But not even a few years had passed before the Revolutionary Tribunal, at the behest of Robespierre, began to commit blatant arbitrariness and lawlessness. With the connivance of the intimidated Convention.
Step 3
And what about the history of long-suffering Russia? There are plenty of similar examples here. It turns out that in any country and in any era there are no firm guarantees that the supreme power will be able to control and "keep in check." But still, there are some rules with which you can at least try to do this.
Step 4
First, there needs to be a clear division of power into legislative, executive and judicial powers. Moreover, each branch should have a certain independence and authority.
Step 5
Secondly, there must be an influential institution of supreme oversight (the General Prosecutor's Office, the Supreme Tribunal, the Supreme Court, etc.), which would have the authority to hold even the highest officials accountable. Of course, in strict accordance with the procedures provided for by law.
Step 6
Third, freedom of the media must be guaranteed. For all their shortcomings, they play an essential role in “curbing” power and preventing abuse.
Step 7
Fourth, the people should be given the right to referendum on the termination of the powers of the highest officials.
