Bourgeois democracy
Some general defining features of bourgeois democracy / bourgeois democratic institutions are:
- independent workers organizations
- the right to strike, vote, assemble
- freedom of speech
- freedom of the press
It’s not the loss of this or that right, that would signify the change in the character of a regime, but the totality of the relations - Ted Grant.
Link to originalThe role of the state for the bourgeoisie.
The capitalist class is not homogenous. They can and do have confliciting interests amongst themselves.
Thus – all things being equal – the ideal form of the state for them is one, where the different wings of the capitalist class can exert input over the state to some degree, which generally functions as the executive committee for managing the common affairs of the bourgeoisie.
Democracy under capitalism is always limited by definitions. Giving more power to the state or “democratic institutions” is a dead-end.
Democratic institutions are used to legitimize the rule of the capitalist class, give the illusion of a democracy, and have workers let of steam (fixed 1-day strikes, …).
Even in the freest capital democracies, you inevitably see the limitations of democratic rights, if and when the ruling class needs it (supression of the free palestine movement, imprisoning eugene debs for opposing WW1, …).Communists defend these democratic rights, but link it to the struggle for socialism.