Conceptions of the State

Jeff Hartman INVS 1000 9/4/07 Conceptions of the State Andrew Vincent

 Origin of the State began in the 16th century. The idea is argued to have originated from Machiavelli and Humanists like Bodin.

 Formal Characteristics of a State

1. Geographically Identifiable Territory 2. Authority overall citizens and groups within its boundaries 3. Authority is derived from a legal system 4. Embodies maximal control of resources and force 5. Seeks some legitimacy through recognition and acceptance of population 6. Sovereign with in its territory and internationally 7. A continuous public power distinct from rulers and ruled

 Approaches to Study a State 1. Juristic or Legal (hierarchal body of legal rules) 2. Historical (factors of growth related to the rise of the state) 3. Sociological/ Anthropological (function to mediate and reduce conflict and tension between different sectors of society) 4. Political-Scientific (empirical approach) 5. Philosophical/ Normative

 Corporatist Theories-One approach argues that the state and government are synonymous. The other says that the state is a fusion of certain important interests to the structure of government. 1. New form of economy and capitalism 2. Form of state within capitalist Society 3. A way in which social interests are organized and interact with state

 Marxist Thinking on the State 1. The state is oppressive and a coercive instrument to dominate bourgeoisie (affluent) class, while holding capitalism in place 2. State has relative autonomy from economic base and acts as a site of conflict between competing class interests.

 Economic Approach-state emerges from the logic of self-interested individual choice. A collective action to form objectives such as law, order, and defense.

 Classical Political Theory-Reflects the right, best, or more just order. The identity and nature of a state mirrors the values and ideas of civil existence. Jeff Hartman INVS 1000 9/4/07

 Normative Theories of States 1. Absolutists- (Monarchs) 2. Constitutions- (Democracy/Socialism) 3. Ethical- (Greek Polis) 4. Plurists- (synthesis of living semi-Independent groups) not sovereign.

 The state needs to be looked at as separate from government. To see the full view of the state it needs to be looked at from a historical and sociological perspective along with the values and normative aspirations about civil existence.