Chapter 1- section 1

 State (country)– Group of people that occupies a defined territory (borders) and has an organized gov’t with the power to make and enforce laws  Nation – group of people who are united by common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, or religion; no defined territory

 What is the difference between a state and a nation?

 Population ◦ The people who live within the state ◦ Most stable states have a population who shares a social and political consensus, or agreement. ◦ Moving around can affect the state…political power can shift with a moving population ◦ Ex: US Census count

 Territory ◦ Land that makes up the state; set boundaries ◦ May change due to purchases, negotiations, or wars ◦ US boundaries are the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans and borders with Canada & Mexico

 Sovereignty ◦ State has all the authority within its boundaries. ◦ The state is independent ◦ States with great economic and military strength have more power than other states.

 Government ◦ Maintains order and provides for the state. ◦ Every state/country has some form.

 What are the 4 features of a state?

 No one knows how or why people created the earliest governments.  Scholars have come up with theories that try to explain the origins of the state.

 Evolutionary Theory ◦ Some scholars believe that the state evolved from the family. ◦ Head of the family was the authority that served as government.

 Force Theory ◦ Government emerged when all the people of an area were brought under the authority of one person or group

 Divine Right Theory ◦ Head of the government was appointed by their God.  Social Contract Theory ◦ Thomas Hobbes: people surrendered power to the state ◦ John Locke: people were naturally given the right to life, liberty, and property.

 Maintaining Social Order ◦ Governments provide ways of resolving conflicts among their citizens. ◦ Make and enforce laws.  Providing Public Services ◦ Governments undertake projects that individuals could not do on their own. ◦ Also make and enforce laws that promote public health and safety.

 Providing National Security and a Common Defense ◦ Military security ◦ International relations  Making Economic Decisions ◦ Governments pass laws that shape the economic environment. ◦ Can intervene in the economic system