The document discusses four main theories about the origin of the state: 1. Divine theory - States originated by the will of god(s) and kings had divine authority. 2. Force theory - States formed through conquest and warfare, with powerful groups imposing their rule. 3. Contract theory - States formed by agreement between individuals surrendering some freedoms for protection. 4. Evolutionary theory - States slowly evolved over long periods from families to clans to tribes and larger political units, influenced by factors like kinship, religion, property and defense. Of these, the evolutionary theory is considered the most scientifically sound, though no single factor alone explains the origin of states.