Politics and the State
Created @February 25, 2022 11:15 AM
Class POL1004F
Type Lecture
Materials
Reviewed
Key Issues
what is the state, and why does it play such a crucial role in politics?
how has state power been analysed and explained?
is the state a force for good or evil?
what roles have been assigned to the state? how have responsibilities been apportioned
between the state and civil society?
to what extent does politics now operate outside or beyond the state?
What is the State
state:
the main actor in domestic and international affairs
a political association that establishes sovereign jurisdiction within defined
territorial boarders and exercises authority through a set of permanent institutions
the state is responsible for the collective organization of communal life and is
funded at the public’s expense
sovereign jurisdiction: has the absolute power to establish rules/laws
basic features of a state
Politics and the State 1
, population: everyone who falls under the state’s authority (withing the boarders and
abroad)
territory: geographical land the state has authority over
sovereignty: absolute power and authority (external and internal)
government: the public institutions through which a state maintains order (changes
regularly)
Definitions of the State
Idealist
family operates with particular altruism
civil society includes universal egoism
state ethical on morals of mutual sympathy
Does not differentiate institutions part of and outside state
Functionalist
used by neo-marxists
deals with conflicts to keep capitalism alive
any institution that keeps order (even family) is state
Politics and the State 2
Created @February 25, 2022 11:15 AM
Class POL1004F
Type Lecture
Materials
Reviewed
Key Issues
what is the state, and why does it play such a crucial role in politics?
how has state power been analysed and explained?
is the state a force for good or evil?
what roles have been assigned to the state? how have responsibilities been apportioned
between the state and civil society?
to what extent does politics now operate outside or beyond the state?
What is the State
state:
the main actor in domestic and international affairs
a political association that establishes sovereign jurisdiction within defined
territorial boarders and exercises authority through a set of permanent institutions
the state is responsible for the collective organization of communal life and is
funded at the public’s expense
sovereign jurisdiction: has the absolute power to establish rules/laws
basic features of a state
Politics and the State 1
, population: everyone who falls under the state’s authority (withing the boarders and
abroad)
territory: geographical land the state has authority over
sovereignty: absolute power and authority (external and internal)
government: the public institutions through which a state maintains order (changes
regularly)
Definitions of the State
Idealist
family operates with particular altruism
civil society includes universal egoism
state ethical on morals of mutual sympathy
Does not differentiate institutions part of and outside state
Functionalist
used by neo-marxists
deals with conflicts to keep capitalism alive
any institution that keeps order (even family) is state
Politics and the State 2
