State Flashcards
What is the definition of the state?
The state is an organization that claims ultimate authority to make and enforce rules within its borders.
How did Max Weber define the state?
Max Weber defined the state as an institution claiming the monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within a given territorial area.
What are the three main forms of state organization?
The three forms are unitary, federal, and confederal systems.
What is sovereignty in political science?
Sovereignty is the ability of a state to act as the ultimate rule-making and rule-enforcing organization.
How does legitimacy differ from sovereignty?
Legitimacy refers to the belief by citizens that the state operating over them is proper, whereas sovereignty is the state’s authority to govern independently.
What is a unitary state?
A unitary state is one where power is concentrated in a central government with limited powers granted to local authorities.
Give an example of a unitary state.
France is an example of a unitary state, where central government decisions are applied uniformly across the country.
What is a federal state?
A federal state is one where power is divided between a central government and regional governments.
Give an example of a federal state.
India is an example of a federal state, where the central government shares powers with individual states.
What is a confederal state?
A confederal state is one where power is held primarily by the regional states, and the central government has limited authority.
Give an example of a confederal system.
The European Union operates as a confederal system where member states retain significant sovereignty.
What challenges can affect sovereignty?
Globalization, international organizations, and internal conflicts can challenge state sovereignty.
How does Weber’s definition of the state apply in modern society?
Weber’s definition applies in modern societies where governments use police, military, and legal systems to enforce laws and maintain order.
What does legitimacy mean in political terms?
Legitimacy refers to the acceptance by citizens that the authority of the state is appropriate and justified.
What are the three types of legitimacy according to Weber?
The three types are traditional legitimacy, charismatic legitimacy, and legal-rational legitimacy.
Give an example of traditional legitimacy.
The British monarchy is an example, where citizens respect the monarchy due to tradition.
Give an example of charismatic legitimacy.
Nelson Mandela’s leadership in South Africa is an example, where his personal qualities earned widespread respect and legitimacy.
Give an example of legal-rational legitimacy.
Modern democracies, like the USA or Germany, where legitimacy is based on laws, constitutions, and democratic elections.
What is the relationship between sovereignty and legitimacy?
Sovereignty refers to the state’s power to rule, while legitimacy ensures that citizens accept and support that rule.
How did federalism function during the COVID-19 pandemic in India?
Federalism allowed India’s states to manage healthcare responses locally while the central government coordinated national efforts like vaccine distribution.
How does legitimacy affect a state in a crisis?
In a crisis, if the state’s legitimacy is questioned, it can lead to civil unrest and weaken the state’s ability to enforce order.
