2. The Origin of the State
The chapter explores the origin, features, and implications of the state in political theory, including various theories that explain its emergence and development. It discusses key characteristics such as territory, population, sovereignty, and the role of government. Additionally, it examines the interplay between the individual and the state, covering the implications of modern political thought and the evolution of state systems from ancient to contemporary forms.
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What we have learnt
- The state can originate from divine, forceful, contractual, evolutionary, or cultural theories.
- Key features of the state include territory, population, sovereignty, and governmental structure.
- Modern political thought includes theories like Marxist, pluralist, and elitist frameworks that interpret the role and control of the state.
Key Concepts
- -- Divine Right Theory
- The belief that states are created by divine will, characterized by the idea that rulers derive their authority from a higher power.
- -- Sovereignty
- The supreme authority of the state, divided into internal sovereignty (control within borders) and external sovereignty (recognition by other states).
- -- Social Contract Theory
- A theory positing that governments are formed through an implicit agreement among individuals to ensure order and protection within society.
- -- NationState
- A political entity characterized by a defined territory, stable population, sovereign government, and recognition by other states, often linked to a specific national identity.
- -- Marxist Theory
- The view that the state functions as an instrument of class oppression, maintaining the status quo in a capitalist society for the benefit of the bourgeoisie.
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