October 7, Slides 5-6 Flashcards
What is Max Weber’s definition of a state?
Max Weber defines a state as an institution that holds a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence within a given territory. This means that only the state has the recognized authority to enforce laws, use force, or maintain order through means such as the police or military, as long as this power is viewed as legitimate by its people.
How does the state determine “who gets what, when, and how”?
The state determines “who gets what, when, and how” by making laws, enforcing them, and resolving disputes. These processes help allocate resources, define rights, and establish societal norms. Through its legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the state creates rules, ensures compliance, and arbitrates conflicts to maintain social order and fairness.
What characterized Athenian democracy?
Athenian democracy was based on the principle of popular sovereignty, where the power rested with the people.
Decisions were made by an Assembly in which citizens could participate directly, ensuring that no individual or institution could overrule their collective voice.
This form of governance was revolutionary for its time, emphasizing direct participation rather than representation.
What was the principle behind absolute monarchies like Louis XIV’s rule?
Absolute monarchies, such as Louis XIV’s France, operated under the principle that the monarch held ultimate authority over the state.
This was famously expressed in Louis XIV’s declaration, “L’état, c’est moi,” meaning “I am the state.”
The monarch’s decisions were final, with no checks or balances, reflecting a system where all state power was concentrated in one individual.
What shift occurred from pre-modern to modern states according to Hobbes and Locke?
Pre-modern states, as described by Hobbes, often concentrated power in a single sovereign to ensure order and avoid chaos.
Locke, however, emphasized the need for a system that limited the concentration of power, advocating for the division of authority to protect individual rights.
This shift from centralized power to modernity introduced specialization, where different institutions were responsible for legislation, enforcement, and adjudication, ensuring a more balanced and accountable governance structure.
What are the three primary functions of sovereignty?
Sovereignty is responsible for making laws, enforcing laws, and resolving disputes. These functions correspond to the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, ensuring the state can govern effectively.
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws, and what is its role?
The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It creates the legal framework that governs society, including defining rights, duties, and regulations to ensure order and fairness.
What does the executive branch do under the concept of sovereignty?
The executive branch enforces laws by implementing policies, ensuring compliance, and maintaining public order. It includes leaders like the Prime Minister, President, or Cabinet, along with agencies like the police and military.
How does the judicial branch resolve disputes?
The judicial branch interprets laws and resolves conflicts between individuals, groups, or the state. It ensures laws are applied fairly and protects citizens’ rights by providing an impartial legal process.
Why are the three branches of government important for sovereignty?
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches divide responsibilities to prevent the concentration of power and ensure checks and balances. This specialization supports effective governance and protects the legitimacy of state authority.
