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STATE
The concept of the state is fundamental in political theory and refers to an organized political entity
that holds authority and power over a specific territory and population.
Different scholars and political theorists have provided definitions that reflect the essential features of
the state. Here are a few key perspectives:
1. Max Weber's Definition:
o Max Weber, a prominent sociologist, defined the state as "a human community that
successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given
territory."
o This definition emphasizes two important aspects:
▪ The monopoly of force: Only the state has the legal right to use or authorize
the use of physical force (such as police and military power).
▪ Legitimacy: The state's use of power is seen as legitimate by its population or
recognized by other states.
2. Plato and Aristotle’s Concept:
o For classical Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, the state was viewed as a
natural institution that exists to promote the common good. Aristotle called humans
“political animals” and argued that the state is a community that ensures justice, order,
and the highest forms of social life.
3. Modern Legal Definition:
o Legally, a state is defined as a political organization that exercises sovereign authority
over a defined geographical territory and has a population governed by a centralized
authority (government).
4. Marxist Definition:
o Karl Marx viewed the state as an instrument of class domination. According to Marx,
the state exists primarily to serve the interests of the ruling class (capitalists in a
capitalist society) and perpetuates the economic and political status quo.
5. International Law Definition:
o According to international law, the state is defined by three key criteria:
▪ A permanent population,
▪ A defined territory, and
▪ A government capable of maintaining internal order and engaging in relations
with other states.
Compiled by: MUJTABA HASNAIN
Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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Essential Elements of the State
To be recognized as a state, an entity must possess four essential elements: Population, Territory,
Government, and Sovereignty. Let’s explore each in detail:
1. Population
• Definition: The population is the group of people who live within the territory of the state.
These people are the citizens or residents subject to the laws and authority of the state.
• Importance: A state cannot exist without a population because people are the ones who are
governed. They are also the recipients of the state's services, such as education, healthcare, and
protection.
• Diversity: The size and composition of a population can vary. States can be large or small, and
their populations may be homogenous (sharing common language, religion, or culture) or
diverse (with various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic groups).
• Citizenship: States often define who belongs to the population through the concept of
citizenship, which grants individuals rights and responsibilities.
2. Territory
• Definition: Territory refers to the geographical area over which the state exercises its authority.
This includes land, airspace, and territorial waters.
• Importance: The state must have a clearly defined and recognized area within which it enforces
its laws and maintains control. Without a territory, there is no space for the state to operate.
• Boundaries: The boundaries of a state may be natural (rivers, mountains, etc.) or artificial
(defined by treaties or agreements). Conflicts often arise between states over territorial disputes,
but international law helps resolve these issues.
• Components: Territory includes:
o Land: The physical space where the population resides and government institutions
are established.
o Airspace: The area above the state’s land and sea.
o Waters: Coastal states also control adjacent sea areas, known as territorial waters.
3. Government
• Definition: Government is the institution through which the state exercises its authority, creates
laws, enforces them, and manages public services.
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Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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• Importance: A state must have an organized structure to govern its population, enforce laws,
protect rights, and provide order. The government ensures the day-to-day functioning of the
state.
• Forms of Government: Governments can take many forms, including:
o Democracy: Power rests with the people, either directly or through elected
representatives.
o Monarchy: A single ruler, such as a king or queen, holds power, often inherited.
o Dictatorship/Autocracy: Power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small
group.
• Functions of Government: The government is responsible for:
o Making laws and policies,
o Providing security and defense,
o Administering justice,
o Offering public services (healthcare, education, infrastructure, etc.).
4. Sovereignty
• Definition: Sovereignty is the ultimate authority the state possesses, which allows it to govern
itself without interference from external powers. It is the state’s supreme power to make
decisions within its territory.
• Types of Sovereignty:
o Internal Sovereignty: This refers to the state's ability to control its internal affairs,
make and enforce laws, and maintain order within its territory.
o External Sovereignty: This refers to the state's independence in its relations with other
states, meaning it is free from external control and can enter into treaties, alliances, and
other diplomatic engagements.
• Importance: Sovereignty is what differentiates a state from other organizations or entities. It
ensures that the state has full control over its affairs and that no external power can dictate its
decisions.
• Recognition: Sovereignty is often recognized by other states through international law and
diplomacy. For a state to function on the global stage, other states must recognize its
sovereignty.
Compiled by: MUJTABA HASNAIN
Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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The Relationship Between State and Society
The relationship between the state and society is a central theme in political theory and governance.
Although the state and society are distinct, they are deeply interconnected, and their interaction shapes
the political, social, and economic life of a country. Understanding their relationship involves exploring
how they influence and regulate each other.
1. Definitions of State and Society
• State: The state is a political and legal organization that exercises authority over a specific
territory and population. It functions through institutions like the government, law enforcement,
and the judiciary to maintain law and order, protect rights, and promote welfare.
• Society: Society refers to a community of people who share common values, traditions,
institutions, and social relationships. It encompasses the cultural, social, economic, and
informal aspects of human interaction. Society includes various institutions such as families,
religious organizations, education systems, and the economy, which exist independently of the
state.
2. Distinction Between State and Society
• State as a Formal Institution: The state is a formal, organized institution with clearly defined
rules, laws, and authority. It has the power to enforce decisions through coercion if necessary.
• Society as an Informal System: Society, on the other hand, operates through informal
networks, customs, and voluntary associations. It consists of people’s everyday interactions and
relationships, which are not always governed by legal or formal rules.
• Coercion vs. Cooperation: The state relies on coercive power (e.g., law enforcement and the
military) to enforce laws and maintain order, while society is based on voluntary cooperation
and shared norms, which create social cohesion.
3. Interdependence of State and Society
The state and society are interdependent, and their relationship is dynamic. Each influences the other in
significant ways:
a) The Role of the State in Society
• Regulating Society: One of the primary functions of the state is to regulate social life. It creates
and enforces laws that shape the behavior of individuals and institutions in society. These laws
cover areas such as crime, property, commerce, and civil rights.
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Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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• Protection and Security: The state ensures the protection and security of society by
maintaining law and order, protecting individuals from crime, and defending society from
external threats through the military and diplomacy.
• Providing Public Goods: The state provides essential services that society depends on, such
as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social security. These public goods contribute to
the well-being and development of society.
• Resolving Conflicts: The state plays a crucial role in resolving disputes within society through
legal mechanisms (courts, mediation) and by maintaining a justice system that upholds the rule
of law.
b) The Influence of Society on the State
• Shaping State Policies: Society influences the state by shaping public opinion, cultural norms,
and values. In democratic states, society plays an active role in electing leaders, forming
political parties, and participating in decision-making through voting and other forms of civic
engagement.
• Civil Society and Pressure Groups: Civil society organizations, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and pressure groups advocate for social change, hold the state
accountable, and ensure that the state addresses the needs and concerns of various groups within
society.
• Social Movements: Social movements arise when segments of society demand changes in state
policies, laws, or practices. Examples include movements for civil rights, gender equality, and
environmental protection. These movements reflect society’s influence on the state.
4. Balance of Power Between State and Society
The relationship between state and society involves a delicate balance of power:
• State Dominance: In some systems (e.g., authoritarian states), the state may dominate society
by restricting freedoms, controlling social institutions, and limiting civic engagement. In these
cases, the state can suppress social movements or independent societal institutions to maintain
control.
• Society’s Autonomy: In liberal democratic systems, society enjoys greater autonomy, and the
state’s power is limited by the rule of law, constitutional checks, and respect for civil liberties.
Here, the state and society cooperate more equally, with society often playing an active role in
governance.
• Mutual Accountability: Ideally, there is a healthy relationship where both the state and society
hold each other accountable. The state ensures social order and protects individual rights, while
Compiled by: MUJTABA HASNAIN
Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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society participates in governance, checks the abuse of power, and advocates for reforms when
necessary.
5. The Changing Nature of State-Society Relations
The relationship between state and society evolves with changing historical, economic, and cultural
conditions:
• Globalization: With globalization, the role of the state is changing. States are increasingly
interacting with global institutions (such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization) and
multinational corporations, which influence both state policies and societal dynamics.
• Technology: The rise of the internet and social media has altered how society interacts with
the state. People can now engage in political discussions, organize protests, or advocate for
change more easily, which pressures the state to respond to societal demands in new ways.
• Welfare State: In many countries, the state has taken on the role of a "welfare state," providing
extensive social services such as healthcare, unemployment benefits, and education. This has
deepened the state’s involvement in society and made it more accountable to citizens' welfare.
Compiled by: MUJTABA HASNAIN
Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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Functions of the State
The state has a wide range of functions that are crucial for the organization and stability of society.
These functions help the state manage its internal affairs, protect its people, and interact with other
nations. Broadly speaking, the functions of the state can be classified into three categories:
Essential (or Traditional) Functions, Welfare Functions, and External Functions.
1. Essential (or Traditional) Functions of the State
These are the core functions that every state must perform to ensure its survival and the basic needs
of its citizens. They are fundamental for maintaining law, order, and sovereignty.
a) Maintenance of Law and Order
• Role: The state is responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order within its
territory. It creates laws that regulate behavior, ensure justice, and protect the rights of
individuals.
• Institutions Involved: Law enforcement agencies (police, military) and the judiciary are key
institutions that help maintain order and resolve disputes.
• Importance: Without law and order, society would fall into chaos, and people’s rights and
safety would be jeopardized.
b) Protection and Defense
• Role: The state is responsible for protecting its territory and citizens from external threats. This
includes maintaining armed forces (military) to defend against invasions, terrorism, or other
hostile actions.
• National Security: The state ensures national security through defense policies, intelligence
gathering, and strategic alliances with other nations.
• Importance: Ensuring the safety and security of citizens is a fundamental function of the state.
c) Administration of Justice
• Role: The state must provide a fair and efficient legal system to resolve disputes, protect rights,
and ensure that justice is served. This involves establishing courts and judicial institutions.
• Rule of Law: By upholding the rule of law, the state ensures that all individuals, regardless of
status, are treated equally and that laws are applied consistently.
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Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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• Importance: A fair justice system is essential for maintaining social harmony and trust in
government institutions.
d) Taxation and Revenue Collection
• Role: The state is responsible for generating revenue, primarily through taxation, to fund public
services and carry out its functions.
• Types of Taxes: The state may collect various forms of taxes, including income tax, property
tax, and sales tax.
• Importance: Without adequate revenue, the state would be unable to provide services such as
education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
2. Welfare Functions of the State
In modern times, the role of the state has expanded beyond traditional functions to include
promoting the welfare of its citizens. The welfare state concept involves the government’s
responsibility to provide for the economic and social well-being of the population.
a) Social Welfare and Public Services
• Role: The state provides essential services to improve the quality of life for its citizens. These
services include healthcare, education, sanitation, housing, and infrastructure.
• Social Security: The state may also provide financial assistance and social security programs
such as unemployment benefits, pensions, and disability support.
• Importance: By offering public services, the state ensures equal access to basic necessities,
reducing inequality and improving the overall well-being of society.
b) Economic Development
• Role: The state plays an active role in promoting economic growth and development. This can
involve regulating industries, fostering trade, building infrastructure, and supporting
technological innovation.
• Government Initiatives: Governments may launch policies to encourage investment, create
jobs, and improve the overall economy. This includes managing inflation, interest rates, and
public spending.
• Importance: Economic stability and growth are critical for the prosperity of the nation and the
welfare of its people.
c) Environmental Protection
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Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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• Role: The state is responsible for regulating activities that affect the environment, ensuring
sustainable development, and preventing pollution and deforestation.
• Policies and Laws: States create environmental laws and conservation programs to protect
natural resources for future generations.
• Importance: Protecting the environment is crucial for long-term development and the health
of society.
d) Public Health and Safety
• Role: The state ensures public health and safety by providing healthcare services, responding
to emergencies, and setting safety standards (e.g., food and drug regulations, building codes).
• Crisis Management: During public health crises (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters), the state
coordinates efforts to protect the population and provide relief.
• Importance: Public health measures enhance the quality of life and protect citizens from health
risks and emergencies.
3. External Functions of the State
The state also performs functions related to its relations with other countries and international
organizations. These external functions are crucial for maintaining a state’s sovereignty and its
position in the global community.
a) Foreign Relations and Diplomacy
• Role: The state engages in diplomatic relations with other countries to establish treaties, trade
agreements, and partnerships.
• Representation: The state appoints ambassadors and diplomats to represent its interests abroad
and participate in international organizations (e.g., the United Nations, World Trade
Organization).
• Importance: Maintaining good relations with other countries fosters peace, economic growth,
and cooperation on global issues such as climate change and security.
b) Trade and Economic Cooperation
• Role: The state regulates foreign trade, sets tariffs, and promotes international trade relations
to benefit its economy.
• Global Economy: The state negotiates trade agreements that open markets for its goods and
services, benefiting its businesses and workers.
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Lecturer: Pol.Scn
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• Importance: Participation in the global economy is essential for the economic development of
the state and the well-being of its citizens.
c) Defense Against External Threats
• Role: In addition to defending its own borders, the state may form military alliances with other
countries for mutual defense against common threats.
• Global Peacekeeping: States also contribute to international peacekeeping efforts, providing
military or financial support to maintain global stability.
• Importance: Active engagement in global defense efforts helps ensure a peaceful international
environment.
Compiled by: MUJTABA HASNAIN
Lecturer: Pol.Scn
