State and Politics

Question 1

What is an Idealist Approach?

Answer 1

It is an approach reflected in the writings of Hegel in which he identified three moments of social existence.

Question 2

Three moments of social existence according to Hegel?

Answer 2

The family (Particular altruism)
The civil society (Universal Egoism)
The State (Universal altruism)

Question 3

What is a functionalist approach?

Answer 3

It is an approach to the state focus on the role or purpose of state institutions. The central function of the state is invariably seen as the maintenance of social order.

Question 4

Define the state in Organizational View

Answer 4

Defines the state as the apparatus of government in its broadest sense; that is, as the set of institutions that are recognizably public in that they are responsible for the collective organization of social existence and are funded at the public’s expense.

Question 5

Define the state in International Approach

Answer 5

Views it primarily as an actor on the world stage; indeed as the basic unit of international politics.

Question 6

What are the key features of the state?

Answer 6

1. The state institutions are recognizably public.
2. The state is an instrument of domination
3. The state is sovereign.
4. The state is an exercise of legitimation
5. The state is a territorial association

Question 7

Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention

Answer 7

A defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Question 8

Role of the state

Answer 8

1. Minimal States
2. Social- democratic States
3. Totalitarian States
4. Developmental States
5. Collectivized States
6. Religious States

Question 9

What is Minimal States?

Answer 9

The ideal of classic liberals, whose aim is to ensure that individuals enjoy the widest possible realm of freedom.

Question 10

What is Developmental State?

Answer 10

One that intervenes in economic life with the specific purpose of promoting industrial growth and economic development.

Question 11

What is Social Democratic state?

Answer 11

States that intervene with a view to bringing about broader social restructuring, usually in accordance with the principles such as fairness, equality, and social just.

Question 12

What is Welfare State?

Answer 12

State that takes primary responsibility for the social welfare of its citizens, discharges through a range of social security, health, education and other services.

Question 13

What is Collectivized States?

Answer 13

It bring the entirety of economic life under state control. These sought to abolish private enterprise altogether and set up centrally planned economies administered by a network of economic ministries and planning committees.

Question 14

What is Totalitarian State?

Answer 14

It is the construction of an all embracing state, the influence of which penetrates every aspect of human existence.

Question 15

What is Religious States?

Answer 15

These are driven by the tendency within religious fundamentalism to reject the public/ private divide and to view religion as the basis of politics.

Question 16

What is Supraterritoriality?

Answer 16

The process through which economic activity increasingly takes place within a borderless world.

Question 17

What is Political Globalization?

Answer 17

The growing importance of international bodies and organizations, and of trans nation political forces generally.