Models of interaction between civil society and government through the citizens' appeals

Bikov Igor' Igorevich Postgraduate student; Department of History, Political Science and Public Policy; Central Russian Institute of Management – branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation 302028, Russia, Orel region, Orel, blvd. Victory, 5 A igor_57rus@bk.ru

Introduction

In modern conditions, it is necessary to ensure effective interaction between the state and civil society. Such interaction will allow protecting the rights and interests of citizens, solving various social problems, and strengthening the legitimacy of the government. The institution of citizens' appeals is an important form of interaction between civil society and government authorities. Through appeals, citizens have the opportunity to ask for help from the state, complain about illegal actions and suggest ways to solve public problems. There are different models of interaction between civil society and government through the institution of appeals. Each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages, and also depends on the political, legal and social situation in the country. An urgent and important task is to study and compare these models for the development of the theory and practice of dialogue between society and the authorities.

The purpose of the study is to identify and compare different models of interaction between civil society and the state through the institution of citizens' appeals. The hypothesis of the study is that there are several typical models of interaction between civil society and government through the institution of appeals, which have their advantages and disadvantages and depend on the level of development of democracy, the principles of the rule of law, and civil society. The scientific novelty of the research is the author's vision of the classification of models that allow us to study in detail the interaction of civil society and government through the institution of appeals. The study will be useful for scientists studying civic participation, public policy and the interaction of government and society, as well as for practitioners involved in the development and implementation of mechanisms for dealing with citizens' appeals.

Object and methods of research

The object of the study is the interaction of civil society and government in modern political systems. The subject of the study is the models of interaction between civil society and government through the institution of appeals.

The analysis method and the modeling method were used in the study. The analysis method was used to study the basic concepts related to the interaction of civil society and government through the institution of appeals. This helped to identify the key factors and components of the interaction. The modeling method allows us to explore various scenarios of interaction between civil society and government through the institution of appeals, predict the possible consequences of such interaction, optimize interaction processes and increase the effectiveness of civil society and government. The use of the method of modeling the interaction of civil society and government can contribute to the creation of ways of effective cooperation.

Results and their discussion

An important issue in a democratic state is the interaction of civil society and government. The interaction of citizens and the state in democratic regimes is based on the principle of active participation of the population in making state decisions and monitoring their implementation. In countries where citizens are actively involved in government, civil society is being formed. There are many definitions of civil society in the scientific literature. The idea of civil society has been transformed throughout history ^[1]. Aristotle was the first to use the term "civil society" ^[2]. The term "civil society" used by Aristotle had a different meaning in comparison with the modern understanding and corresponded to the term "political association" ^[3]. Hobbes formulated the theory of the social contract. He spoke about the importance of respecting individual human rights and at the same time stressed that the power of the state is absolute ^[4]. Locke believed that absolute power contradicts the idea of respecting personal rights, and spoke about the need for the rule of law ^[5]. Rousseau believed that the most important contract was the social contract. This agreement forms the people and is the basis of society ^[6]. Hegel developed a theory of civil society. He drew a clear division between the spheres of civil society and the state ^[7]. Tocqueville believed that a civil society based on the principle of equality should resist tyranny ^[8]. Marx's ideas differed from the theories of other philosophers. He believed that civil society leads to degradation, not liberation ^[9]. Summarizing the conclusions of the thinkers, we can propose the following formulation of the concept of civil society: civil society is a set of non–governmental organizations, associations and initiative groups involved in solving state problems. Civil society forms public opinion, participates in the protection of citizens' rights and engages the State in important issues. Civil society can be an alternative source of information for the State.

The State power has political and legal force, as well as financial capabilities for decision-making and their implementation, and is responsible for creating conditions for citizens' participation in government. The dialogue between the State authorities and civil society contributes to the formation of effective political solutions and increases the level of openness and responsibility of the state. Civil society also performs the function of monitoring the activities of the authorities. It can monitor compliance with the law and initiate an audit of the activities of the authorities for the presence of offenses. The interaction of civil society and government should be based on the principle of legality. According to A. A. Vilkov, the condition for effective interaction is the strengthening of democratic potential ^[10]. One can agree with A. Y. Sungurov's opinion that the government should be set up for a dialogue with civil society and study its opinions and proposals ^{[11, p. 130]}. In turn, civil society should have the resources and abilities to influence the authorities. The interaction of civil society and government can contribute to taking into account the interests of all segments of the population, the development of democratic institutions and the creation of equal conditions for all citizens ^[12].

The interaction of civil society and government can take place in various forms ^{[13, p. 226]}. The following forms of interaction can be distinguished: appeals, public hearings, civic forums and discussions, referendums, voting, public events.

Appeals can be used to point out shortcomings in the work of state bodies, to involve the state in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, to suggest ways to solve state problems. Applications can be submitted in writing, during a personal reception, using electronic resources and in other ways.

Public hearings provide an opportunity for citizens to express their opinions on the planning and implementation of projects by government agencies. Public hearings allow taking into account the interests of citizens.

Civic forums and discussions allow for discussion and analysis of political and socio-economic issues. In forums and discussions, civil society and the authorities exchange opinions, suggestions and ideas.

Referendums and ballots involve citizens in the process of making important decisions. In referendums, citizens express their opinions on the most important issues. At the polls, citizens choose their representatives.

At public events, civil society draws the attention of the authorities to important issues. Public events allow you to express disagreement with the policies and decisions of the authorities.

The forms of interaction between civil society and government depend on the specific situations that arise. The universal form of interaction is the institution of appeals. To study the interaction of civil society and government in more depth through the institute of appeals, you can use the scientific modeling method.

A.V. Tikhovodova gives the following definition of the model: "A model in a broad sense can be called any image of an object or structure, an explanation or description of a system, process or a number of related events" ^{[14, p. 222]}. Domestic and foreign scientists have proposed various classifications of models of interaction between civil society and government. These models describe the process of interaction between civil society and government in a generalized way, without distinguishing features depending on the chosen form. Based on the above, it seems necessary to consider these models in relation to the interaction of civil society and government through the institution of appeals.

V. V. Ryabev ^[15] suggests the following classification of models:

1. Paternalistic, statist;

2. Individualistic, liberal;

3. Participatory.

The paternalistic, statist model is characterized by the understanding of man as a cog in the mechanism of the state, the predominance of duties over rights, and the total control of the state over all spheres of society ^[16]. With regard to the institution of citizens' appeal, this model assumes the obligation of civil society to address the state on a certain range of issues. The State will carefully study such appeals and use them to its advantage.

The individualistic, liberal model is characterized by the priority of human rights and freedoms in relation to the state, the restriction of state power by civil society. In relation to the institution of citizens' appeal, this model means that every citizen has the right to appeal to the state to solve their problems. The emphasis is on individual rights and freedoms. Civic organizations have a secondary role, and most often provide services and support to individual citizens.

The participatory model implies that the state creates and provides decent conditions for the existence of society, takes care of the welfare of citizens. In relation to the institution of appeals, this model assumes the active participation of civil society in decision-making and government through appeals.

Weinstein ^[17] identifies three models of interaction between civil society and government:

1. The model of confrontation;

2. The model of democratization of society;

3. The model of a democratic society.

The model of confrontation implies that the strengthening of one side means the weakening of the other. This model shows the interaction of civil society and government in a political regime prone to authoritarianism. With regard to the institution of citizens' appeals, this model may imply a decrease in the possibilities of civil society to influence the state using appeals. The State will consider appeals and make decisions on them if it is in the public interest. Appeals that criticize government agencies will be ignored or formal decisions will be made on them. A similar situation is also characteristic of the models of confrontation highlighted by Pisarev ^[18].

The model of democratization of society involves the search for a compromise between the state and civil society. With regard to the institution of appeals, civil society will turn to the State to develop solutions that suit all parties. The effectiveness of appeals will depend on the legal awareness of government representatives.

The model of a democratic society is characterized by the existence of partnerships between the State and civil society. In relation to the institution of appeals, this model implies the appeal of civil society to the state in order to develop joint solutions. The State is aware of its responsibility to society and is making efforts to solve the problems identified in the appeals. Many scientists talk about the importance of dialogue between civil society and the state ^[19].

Having analyzed the classifications of models of interaction between civil society and government, presented by various scientists, we will propose our own classification. If we use the criterion of the method of interaction, then we can propose the following classification:

The vertical model. According to this model, appeals are sent to various levels of government from local governments to federal agencies. The appeals are studied by the competent authorities. The vertical model has its own characteristics. According to the vertical model, there is a hierarchical structure of interaction between citizens and the state. In this model, citizens occupy the lowest place in the hierarchy, and government agencies occupy the highest. Citizens perform a passive role in this interaction. After contacting the authorities with requests or complaints, they expect their issues to be resolved. The process of reviewing applications is bureaucratic in nature. There is a clear procedure for reviewing appeals, in which appeals are registered, transferred along the chain of responsibility to competent specialists and reviewed by the relevant authorities. The vertical model shows a one-sided interaction between citizens and the government. The government decides whether the appeal is justified and whether it requires the necessary measures. The vertical model limits the transparency of consideration of the appeal and decision-making on it. The information is available only to interested parties.

The horizontal model. According to this model, appeals are sent to public organizations or to the Commissioner for Human Rights. Relevant public organizations or human rights commissioners represent the interests of citizens and solve their problems through dialogue with the authorities. Appeals are processed by public organizations or authorized representatives. Under this model, public organizations and commissioners act as intermediaries between citizens and the government, who collect information about problems, complaints and proposals and submit them to the competent authorities for consideration. Collecting such information makes it possible to improve the consideration of appeals. The horizontal model provides for the implementation of control by public organizations and authorized persons. They ensure that all citizens' appeals are reviewed by the competent authorities in accordance with the law. Through the mediation of public organizations and authorized representatives, the accessibility and effectiveness of interaction between citizens and authorities is increased. Public organizations and authorized persons assist in the formulation of appeals and explain the procedure for their consideration. The horizontal model assumes the presence of intermediaries, who are the link between citizens and authorities.

The combined model. According to this model, citizens have the opportunity to contact the authorities directly or through public organizations and authorized persons, depending on the specific situation or their preferences. The combined model allows taking into account the individual needs of citizens. This model allows citizens to choose the most convenient method of treatment and encourages more active interaction with authorities.

The Internet model. According to this model, citizens can contact the authorities through online platforms. This model allows you to track the execution of appeals and increases the accessibility of interaction between citizens and the government. This model allows citizens to quickly and promptly send their appeals in real time, and the authorities to promptly receive information about the problems and needs of the population, as well as respond to them. All citizens' appeals are saved in electronic form, which makes it possible to track the process of reviewing and responding to appeals. This makes it possible to ensure transparency of the actions of the authorities. The Internet model allows citizens to contact the authorities regardless of their location. This simplifies the treatment procedure and makes it accessible to residents of remote areas. Citizens have the opportunity to send appeals and receive answers without visiting the authorities. The Internet model increases the effectiveness of interaction between citizens and authorities, as it makes such interaction transparent and accessible.

According to the degree of influence of citizens' appeals on decision-making by authorities, the following models of interaction between civil society and government can be distinguished:

1. The advisory model;

2. The dialog model;

3. The Partner model;

4. The model of direct citizen participation;

5. Mixed model.

The consultative model involves the use of appeals as feedback between citizens and authorities to exchange information, express opinions and make common decisions. The authorities are obliged to accept such appeals. Civil society submits its appeals with proposals in an advisory form to the authorities. This model assumes that civil society has limited influence. The consultative model of interaction between civil society and the government promotes the active participation of citizens in decision-making and increases the level of trust in the government.

The dialogue model is a system of interaction between citizens and authorities, which is based on the regular exchange of information, opinions and suggestions. Civil society actively participates in the decision-making process of the authorities, representing the interests of citizens and expressing its position on topical issues. Citizens can contact the authorities with requests, complaints and suggestions, as well as ask questions. The authorities ensure the openness and accessibility of appeals and respond to them in a timely manner. The government organizes a dialogue with citizens for their participation in decision-making and the development of public policy. Decisions can be made on the basis of compromises. This model promotes the active participation of citizens in the process of government. The government, in turn, receives feedback from citizens and takes into account their opinions and needs. The dialogue model promotes the development of democracy and interaction between citizens and the government.

The partnership model involves cooperation between civil society and government authorities. Citizens turn to the authorities with their requests and suggestions, and the authorities are obliged to respond to these appeals and provide citizens with the necessary information and assistance. The partner model provides for openness and transparency in dealing with requests. The authorities are obliged to ensure the availability of information on the status of consideration of appeals. Citizens can apply in ways that are convenient for them, and the authorities are obliged to consider applications within an acceptable time frame. Civil society and the government exchange information, opinions and proposals to develop joint solutions. The partner model provides for monitoring and evaluation of the results of consideration of applications.

The model of direct participation of citizens in the decision-making process assumes the participation of citizens in the development and decision-making through appeals. In such appeals, citizens express their suggestions for solving urgent problems. These appeals are studied by the authorities and checked for compliance with the law. After that, the proposals are put to the vote. When the required number of votes is reached, the proposal must be taken into account when developing a management decision by the authorities. The direct participation model assumes the obligation of the authorities to take into account proposals in appeals that have received the necessary number of votes.

The mixed model involves combinations of different models of interaction between civil society and government, in relation to specific needs.

The choice of a model of interaction between civil society and government depends on many factors. We can agree with K. S. Olompiev ^[20] that the state can use different models of interaction in relation to different representatives of civil society. For example, if an appeal is sent by a public organization that provides assistance to needy categories of the population, then government representatives are likely to carefully consider the appeal and make the necessary decisions for these organizations. Otherwise, if appeals are sent by a human rights organization that actively criticizes the activities of the state in the political sphere, then government representatives will distrust such appeals and make formal responses to them. The choice of the model also depends on the content of the requests. For example, if the appeal contains criticism of the policy being implemented, then government representatives may be reluctant to consider the appeal and give formal answers. In another case, if the appeal contains any suggestions for solving problems, then it is most likely to be carefully studied and a reasoned response can be drawn up on it. Legal awareness also influences the choice of a model of interaction with civil society. If a representative of the authorities has a high level of legal awareness, then he will know his duties and understand the importance of carefully considering the appeal and making the right decision on it. If a representative of the authorities has a low level of legal awareness, then he will treat the consideration of the appeal formally.

Conclusion

Thus, the problem of interaction between civil society and government is relevant. Civil society provides the State with information about existing problems and suggests ways to solve them. The State studies the information received and develops a concept of domestic and foreign policy, taking into account the proposals of civil society. There are different forms of interaction between civil society and government. An important form is interaction through the institution of appeals. The Institute of Appeals allows citizens to speak out about their problems and ask for help from the state. The government receives feedback from the population and takes it into account when making decisions. Since the procedure for citizens' appeals is regulated by law, an effective mechanism has been created for the implementation of the right to appeal. The authorities are obliged to comply with the requirements of the law and respond to appeals in a timely manner. The modeling method allows us to study in detail the interaction of civil society and government through the institution of appeals.

There are various models of interaction between civil society and government. The government may use a specific model depending on the specific case. The choice of the model may be influenced by the subject of the appeal, the content of the appeal, the level of legal awareness of the representative of the government considering the appeal. Regardless of the choice of the model, the interaction of civil society and government creates favorable conditions for achieving common goals.