This document provides an introduction to political science focusing on the concept of the state, its attributes, and various theories of political organization including those of Plato, Aristotle, and social contract theorists. It also highlights the distinctions between state and society and references notable works in the field. The course is taught by Mr. Omondi Okwany at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa from January to April 2017.

1. CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN
AFRICA.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
SPO101: Introduction to Political Science.
Room TH 04.
Lecture 2
Instructor: Mr. Omondi Okwany.
January-April 2017

2. The State
A legal person recognized by International law with the following
attributes;
• An effective government
• A defined territory
• A permanent population
• Independence or the right to enter into relations with other
states(Oyugi, 1994, Pg. 5).

3. THEORIES OF THE STATE
• Platos republic (Plato 429-384BCE) Guardian, Auxilliary
and Appetite
• Teleologoical theory (Aristotle 384-322 BCE) Family-
Village/Clan-Community-State
• Social cotract theory (Thomas Hobbes, Jean Jacques
Rousseau and John Locke) social order, common good,
general will.
• Force theory (Marxist and Neo-Marxists) the bourgeoisie
(Haves) vs Ploretariat (have-not).

4. Westphalian Treaty
According to the Westphalian treaty (1648) a state is an entity with the
following attributes; -
• Well defined territory (Land and space).
• Population (nation, people, citizens).
• Government (constitution, rules, laws,).
• Sovereignty (indepencence).

5. State vs Society
Eddy Asirvatham and K.K Misra,
Book: political theory (2008) Page 52-54.
Purpose Organization Method
State To make and enforce a
permanent system of law
and order
Single legal organization Coercion or force
Society Society has many
purposes including moral,
religious, intellectual,
economic, recreational,
students etc
It comprises many
organizations; these
organizations give
opportunity to members to
move from one to another
in case of force.
Voluntary action.

6. Reference
• Asirvatham, E., & Misra, K. (2008). Political Theory, New Delhi, S.
Chand and.(chapter 4).
• Easton, D. (1953). The political system: Knopf New York.
• Sinclair, T. A. (1962). Aristotle the politics: Penguin Books.