Theories about the State

Definition of the State The state is defined the political organization of society within a defined territory There are several viewpoints concerning the origin of states and how they are best organized. These theories are based on different views of human nature

Theories of the State Divine Origins of the State – these theories consider that the sovereign is either divine (ex. Ancient Egypt) or God’s representative on Earth (Christian kings and emperors in the Middle Ages) Social Contract Theory - views the relationship between governed and the government as a contract as a contract. The main role of the state is to protect individual freedom and rights. The people give the government power and in exchange the government must protect their safety, liberty, and rights. Thomas Hobbes (17th century) thought humans are selfish and generally evil. That’s why there was a need for a strong state Jean-Jacques Rousseau (18th century) thought that human nature is essentially good

Theories of the State –cont. Liberal Theory of the State - based on the ideas of John Locke (17th century) - developed on the basis of social contract theory - is the foundation of modern liberal democracies - sees the state as the protector of natural rights - insists that the people must have means to limit state power so that the does not become abusive

Statul de Drept (best translated as The Constitutional State) Expresses the relationship between the state as the holder of political power and the rule of law The law is supreme, equally binding on citizens and the authorities. No one is above the law and power must be exercised in accordance to legal norms The supreme law is the Constitution Constitution states differ from absolutist states and dictatorships Romania is a constitutional state