Origins of a State

The Force Theory Many scholars believe that the state was born of force. One person or group claimed control over an area and forced all within it to submit to that person or group’s rule. PURE POWER!

The Evolutionary Theory Others claim that the state developed naturally out of the early family. The primitive family, of which one person was the head and thus the “government” was the first stage of political development. Family – clan – tribe – government.

The Divine Right Theory This was widely accepted in much of the Western World from the 15th-18th centuries. It held that a state was created by God and that God had given those of royal birth a “divine right” to rule. Chinese, Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan and Japanese civilizations

The Social Contract Theory Developed in the 17th & 18th centuries. No authority existed to protect one person from the aggressive or violent actions of another. People agreed with one another to create a state. By doing this, people gave up to the state as much power as was needed to promote the well-being of all. Promoters included: John Locke James Harrington Thomas Hobbes Jean Jacques Rousseau

Discussion Question: During WWII, the government imposed hardships, such as the rationing of gasoline and food, on the U.S. population. Are such measures justifiable? Why or why not?

Characteristics of a State

Population Smallest: San Marino – 25,000 people A state must have people. Smallest: San Marino – 25,000 people Largest: People’s Republic of China – 1.25 Billion

Territory A state must possess land with recognizable boundaries Smallest: San Marino – 24 square miles Largest: Russia – 6.6 Million square miles Cut Alaska in half and Texas is still the third largest state in the U.S.

Sovereignty A state must have supreme and absolute power. Each state may decide its own foreign and domestic policies. It is neither subordinate nor responsible to any other authority. Example – The US can determine its form of government. It can frame its economic system and shape its own foreign policies.

Government Every state is politically organized. A government is the institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies. Governments come in very different forms.

Discussion Question U.S. Citizens sometimes complain about government, claiming it has too much power and control over their lives. Why do you think they feel this way?