The State Flashcards
Boundaries
States have geographical boundaries on a map. Some countries have boundaries and governments but are not states eg Scotland. State boundaries ae usually permanent, these can sometimes change due to war.
Authority
Central authority in state is government. State and government aren’t the same. Government is part of the state responsible for the organisation of society, it is funded by public.
Permanence
States tend to have more permanence than other institutions eg the government last for max. 5 years whereas state has been present since 1707.
Legal System
States have a legal system and set of laws, which give it legal jurisdiction over it’s population. In a state citizens must accept rule of law. Legal systems must apply to all organs of the state.
Population
States have a population which identifies with it and accepts it’s authority. Some parts of a population don’t accept a states authority and don not identify with it eg Irish Nationalists don’t accept British authority.
Hobbes’ view on the state
Believes state should have total power and should use this to keep peace in society. Thinks a social contract should be created, if enough people disagree with the state they could change it. Believes humans are selfish and violent which is why state is needed.
Locke’s view on the state
State should have limited power to prevent it infringing on human rights Individuals are rational. Thinks if you are not actively revolting you are automatically agreeing to social contract.
Marx view of state
Against state in society as he thinks it always represents a certain classes interests.
What is Pluralism
Pluralism is the political theory that the power of the state is shared amongst a diverse range of groups.
State emerged after competition between groups trying to gain more power to influence government.
