November 29, Slides 5-7 Flashcards
Why does Charles Tilly compare war-making and state-making to organized crime?
Tilly argues that states use war-making and state-making as forms of protection rackets, where they claim to offer security while using coercion to extract resources and assert dominance. The key difference is that states are seen as legitimate, while organized crime is not.
How does legitimacy differentiate a state from organized crime?
States are perceived as legitimate because they are recognized by their citizens and other states, and they often operate under legal frameworks. Organized crime lacks this legitimacy and is considered unlawful by state authorities.
What does Benedict Anderson mean by the nation being “imagined as… sovereign”?
Anderson argues that nations exist as social constructs created through shared cultural and political narratives. Sovereignty is an imagined concept that gives nations authority and independence in the minds of their people.
Why did Thomas Hobbes advocate for putting one person in charge to avoid conflict?
Hobbes believed that a single, centralized authority, or sovereign, would prevent chaos and violence by imposing order and resolving disputes. This idea is rooted in his concept of the “Leviathan,” a powerful state necessary to maintain peace.
What is “popular sovereignty,” and how does it differ from Hobbes’ vision?
Popular sovereignty places authority in the hands of the people, emphasizing collective governance to prevent oppression. Unlike Hobbes’ focus on a single ruler, this approach advocates democratic participation and accountability.
How does a constitutional monarchy balance sovereignty and democracy?
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution, with actual governance carried out by elected officials. This system blends traditional symbols of sovereignty with modern democratic principles.
What is the role of the Crown in Canada’s constitutional monarchy
The Crown symbolizes the continuity of Canada’s constitutional framework, with its powers exercised on the advice of the government. The reigning monarch (King or Queen) embodies the Crown but acts within the constraints of the Constitution.
What does the phrase “Canada did not become a completely sovereign country in 1867” mean?
While Canada gained self-governing powers through Confederation in 1867, full sovereignty was only achieved gradually, such as through the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the patriation of the Constitution in 1982. These milestones marked Canada’s evolution into an independent state.
How is sovereignty represented in Canada’s political system?
Sovereignty in Canada is symbolized by the Crown and operationalized through democratic institutions like Parliament. This reflects a balance between historical traditions and modern governance.
What is the significance of the monarch’s title “R.” in the Canadian context?
The “R.” stands for “Regina” (Queen) or “Rex” (King), signifying the monarch’s legal authority as the embodiment of the Crown. This title highlights the symbolic role of the monarch in Canada’s constitutional framework.
How does the concept of sovereignty differ between Hobbes, Anderson, and popular sovereignty?
Hobbes sees sovereignty as centralized in a single ruler to prevent conflict, Anderson views it as a shared cultural construct of nations, and popular sovereignty emphasizes collective governance to avoid oppression. These perspectives highlight different interpretations of authority and legitimacy.
What lessons can be drawn from Tilly’s view of the state as a protection racket?
Tilly’s view suggests that state legitimacy often emerges from coercion and conflict, raising questions about the ethical foundations of governance. It highlights the importance of balancing power with accountability to maintain trust.
