politics chapter 3

The state is a political association that establishes sovereign jurisdiction within defined territorial borders and exercises authority through a set of permanent institutions.

Sovereignty – ultimate and supreme authority within a territory. Public – decisions are made in the name of the collective good. Legitimacy – recognized right to rule. Territoriality – authority exercised over a specific geographical area.

Sovereignty is the principle of absolute and unlimited power, either in the hands of the state (internal sovereignty) or recognized by other states (external sovereignty).

The state is the permanent structure of authority and institutions; government is the temporary administration that directs state power at a given time.

A sovereign political community in which the boundaries of the state coincide with those of a nation — people sharing common identity, culture, or history.

The state is the realm of coercion and law, while civil society is the sphere of voluntary associations, markets, and private life that exists independently of the state.

Maintaining order, enforcing laws, defending territory, providing welfare and public goods, regulating the economy, and upholding justice.

Strong states have effective institutions and authority; weak states lack capacity or legitimacy, often leading to instability or corruption.

A state that has lost the ability to exercise authority, maintain order, or provide basic services — e.g., Somalia or Afghanistan at various times.

Political entities that possess formal sovereignty and international recognition but lack the capacity or legitimacy to function effectively domestically.

The recognition of a political entity as sovereign, typically requiring a defined territory, permanent population, effective government, and capacity for external relations.

Pluralist theory Marxist theory New Right theory Feminist theory Post-structuralist theory

The state acts as a neutral arbiter among competing groups, with power dispersed and decisions reflecting public bargaining and compromise.

The state is an instrument of class domination, serving the economic interests of the ruling capitalist class.

The state is an overextended and self-serving institution that should be limited; it interferes with economic freedom and individual responsibility.

The state is a patriarchal structure that reinforces male dominance, though some feminist theorists see potential for reform toward gender equality.

The state is not a monolithic power but a network of discourses and practices that produce and regulate power throughout society.

The idea that political authority arises from an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept state authority in exchange for protection and order (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau).

It erodes sovereignty and autonomy as economic, environmental, and political forces transcend national borders.

A state whose power is shared or constrained by supranational bodies (e.g., the EU), global markets, or international law.

A minimal state restricted to protecting individuals and property, associated with classical liberalism and laissez-faire economics.

A state that intervenes in the economy and society to promote growth, social welfare, and equality.

A regime that seeks to control all aspects of public and private life, using ideology, surveillance, and coercion to dominate society.

A social order that functions without formal government or centralized authority, often based on communal decision-making or consensus.