3. STATE
DEFINITION:
State is a community of persons more or less numerous,
permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, having a
government of their own to which the great body of inhabitants
render obedience and enjoying freedom from external control.
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6. 6
Four Elements of State
An organization of human beings living together as a
community.
State – an association of men living together.
How large should be the population of a state ?
Plato: Ideal state’s population 5050 persons
Aristotle: 10,000 – 1 lakh
Neither too large or too small – large enough to be self sufficient
& small enough to be well governed (city states)
7. Four Elements of State
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A geographical area that is owned and controlled by a
government or country to exercise such state sovereignty.
Masses living on a definite portion of territory of an
appropriate size
Unlike wandering /nomadic tribes – who don't form a state
People living together on a particular territory develop
community of
interests &
patriotism - necessary for statehood
Size of the territory of a State ?
Small enough to be well administered
Small State proportionately stronger than a large one?
Current trend: Large States
8. Four Elements of State
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Machinery that formulate, express, and carry out the will
of the State.
People (limbs) & Government (head) of the body
People living permanently on a definite territory do not
form a State without government to which they render
habitual obedience.
9. Four Elements of State
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CONTINUED
People without a govt – mere assemblage of humans & not politically organized.
Government; machinery/agency through which the will of the State is
formulated & expressed
State plans & acts through the government
Government: administers ,keeps law & order, formulates policy of the State.
State is nothing without a government to make it real.
10. Four Elements of State
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Quality of having supreme, independent authority over a
territory.
Supreme, original &unlimited power exercised over all
persons & associations within
boundaries of the State, independent of external power.
Sovereignty – soul of a State
Two Aspects (internal & external)
Internally State is supreme over all persons & associations
Externally it is independent of all foreign control or power
13. ORIGIN OF STATE
1. DIVINE RIGHT THEORY
2. NECESSITY OR FORCE THEORY
3. PATERNALISTIC / EVOLUTIONARY THEORY
4. SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY.
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THE ABOVE 4 THEORIES SHOW THAT HOW THE IDEA OF “STATE” CAME INTO BIENG
14. ORIGIN OF STATE
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DIVINE RIGHT THEORY.
The belief that God created the state and that God had give those of royal birth
“DIVINE POWER” to rule.
The people were bound to obey their ruler as they would God.
To disobey the “DIVINE RIGHT OF KING” was considered both treason and moral
sin.
State is a divine creation and the ruler is ordained by God to govern the people.
15. ORIGIN OF STATE
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THE FORCE THEORY
The theory that when one person or one small group claims control
over an area they forced all citizens living within it to submit to this
group rule.
The state must have been created through force by some warriors who
imposed their will upon the weak
16. ORIGIN OF STATE
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THE EVOLUTIONARY THEORY
This theory states that the “ State” emerged from the family model where the
patriarch (head of the family) governed the family.
Over time the original family became a clan, the clan then became a tribe and
when the clan began forming they gave up nomadic practices thus becoming
a “STATE”.
State originated from the enlargement of the family.
17. ORIGIN OF STATE
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SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY
The most significant of all the theories in terms of the American political system.
Best associated with the ideas of THOMAS HOBBS that the state arose out of the voluntary
act of free people.
In this theory the states only purpose for existing is to serve the will of the people.
Basically citizens surrender a small amount of their freedom to ensure protection from the
government .
State must have been formed by deliberate and voluntary compact among the people to
form a society and organize government for their common good.
Without government, people are afraid.
18. ORIGIN OF STATE
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CONTINUED
People form governments to protect their life, liberty and property.
Proper purpose of government is to protect these “NATURAL RIGHTS”.
Power of government comes from people “POPULAR SOVERIEGNTY”.
Government that abuse rights of people lose legitimacy and can be
overthrown.