Political Science I Module 1

Sem-II
PROFESSOR: Ms Aishwarya Patole
[email protected]

PART A: The Concept of the State- Meaning and Definition

Chapter 1: State as a Community of Persons.

In the realm of political science, the concept of the state refers to a

community of individuals who live together within a specific territory and are
governed by a common set of rules and institutions. This essay will delve into
the idea of the state as a community of people, exploring its characteristics,
functions, and significance in society.

Defining the State: The state can be understood as a group of people who
reside in a particular area and are subject to the authority of a governing
body that operates within that territory. It is not limited to individual states
within a country, such as New York or Florida, but represents a larger political
entity that governs and represents the interests of its population.

Characteristics of the State: Several key characteristics define the state.

Firstly, it possesses sovereignty, which means it has ultimate power and
control over its territory and citizens. This implies that the state has the
authority to make decisions, enforce laws, and maintain order within its
jurisdiction. Additionally, the state operates through a government that acts
as the central authority responsible for governance and decision-making.

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Functions of the State: The state serves several vital functions within a
society. One of its primary roles is to establish and enforce laws that govern
the behavior and interactions of its citizens. Laws provide a framework for
maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting individual rights and
freedoms. Through law enforcement agencies, the state ensures compliance
with these laws and maintains public order. The state also assumes
responsibility for providing essential services and public goods to its citizens.
These include education, healthcare, transportation infrastructure, and public
safety. By offering these services, the state aims to enhance the overall
well-being and quality of life for its residents. Moreover, the state represents
the interests of its citizens both domestically and internationally, negotiating
treaties, engaging in diplomacy, and participating in global organizations.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the state can be defined as a community of
individuals residing within a defined territory and governed by a common set
of rules and institutions. It exercises sovereignty, providing governance,
essential services, and protection to its citizens. Through the operation of
various institutions and branches of government, the state ensures order,
upholds the rule of law, and represents the interests of its population.
Understanding the concept of the state is crucial for comprehending the
dynamics of political systems and the significance of collective governance
in society

Chapter 2: State as a Politically Organized Society within a

Defined Territory.

2 The state can be described as a politically organized society that exists

within a specific territory. It represents a group of people who live together
under a common government. Here's a simplified explanation of the state as
a politically organized society within a defined territory:

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3 The state is like a big community of people who live in a certain area. It has
its own government that makes decisions and enforces rules for everyone
living there. This government has the power to control things and keep
everything in order. The state is organized in a way that ensures people's
needs are met and their rights are protected.

4 One important characteristic of the state is sovereignty. This means that the
state has the highest authority within its territory. It can make decisions about
laws, policies, and how things should be run. The state also has the power to
defend itself and protect its citizens.

5 The state has different functions that it performs. One of its main roles is to
establish and enforce laws. Laws are like rules that everyone in the state must
follow. They help maintain order and ensure that people's rights are
respected. The state also provides important services to its citizens, such as
education, healthcare, and public safety. These services are meant to
improve people's lives and make the state a better place to live.

6 To govern itself effectively, the state has various institutions and branches of
government. These institutions include the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches. The executive branch is responsible for implementing laws and
making decisions. The legislative branch makes laws, and the judicial branch
interprets and applies those laws. These branches work together to ensure
that the state functions properly and that the government is accountable to
the people.

7 The state plays a significant role in society. It helps maintain peace and
order by enforcing laws and resolving conflicts. It also protects the rights and
freedoms of its citizens. Additionally, the state promotes economic
development by creating favorable conditions for businesses to thrive and by
investing in infrastructure. The state represents its citizens on the global stage,

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engaging in relationships with other states and participating in international
organizations.

8 In summary, the state is a politically organized society that exists within a

specific territory. It has its own government, which makes decisions, enforces
laws, and provides essential services to its citizens. The state plays a vital role
in maintaining order, protecting rights, promoting economic development,
and representing its citizens both within and outside its borders.

Chapter 3: State as the only Sovereign entity with a single

Government.

The state can be understood as the only supreme authority within a specific
territory, governed by a single government. Here's an explanation of the state
as the only sovereign entity with a single government in easy language:
Imagine the state as a big group of people living together in a certain area.
It's like a big family where everyone follows the same set of rules. In this family,
there is only one boss or leader who makes the important decisions and takes
care of everyone. This boss is the government of the state. What makes the
state special is that it is the only one with the highest power and control within
its territory. This means that the government of the state has the final say in
making laws, enforcing them, and keeping things in order. No other group or
organization has the same level of authority. Since the state is the only
sovereign entity, it means that it has the power to govern itself without
interference from other outside forces. It can make decisions about how
things should be run within its borders, such as setting up policies, collecting
taxes, and providing public services like education and healthcare. Having a
single government in the state is important because it helps maintain unity
and consistency. With one government, everyone knows who is in charge and
what rules they need to follow. It also ensures that laws and decisions are

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applied equally to all citizens, regardless of where they live within the state.
The state's single government is responsible for making sure that the needs of
its citizens are met. It takes care of things like public safety, infrastructure
development, and economic policies that can improve people's lives. The
government also represents the state's interests on the international stage,
making agreements with other countries and participating in global
organizations. In summary, the state is like a big family living in a specific
area. It has a single government that holds the highest authority within its
territory. This government makes decisions, enforces laws, and takes care of
the needs of its citizens. Having a single government ensures unity,
consistency, and the ability to govern itself independently from outside
influences.

Chapter 4: Definitions of State.

Introduction: The state is a fundamental concept in political science and

plays a crucial role in our lives. It represents a group of people living together
within a specific territory, governed by a central authority. This essay aims to
provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand definition of the state,
exploring its characteristics, functions, and significance in society.

Defining the State: The state can be described as a community of individuals

who live together in a particular area, like a country or region, and are
organized under a common government. It is a social and political institution
that establishes and enforces rules and regulations for its citizens. The state is
recognized as the highest authority within its territory, possessing the power
to make decisions and maintain order.

According to Aristotle, Aristotle, often regarded as the father of political

science, viewed the state as a natural institution that arises from the social
nature of human beings. According to Aristotle, the state, or "polis," is a

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self-sufficient community composed of citizens who share a common
purpose and engage in political participation. He believed that the state
exists to promote the well-being and happiness of its citizens.

According to Machiavelli, a political philosopher of the Renaissance period,

provided a different perspective on the state. Machiavelli's understanding of
the state was more focused on power and the practicalities of governing. He
believed that the state is primarily concerned with maintaining its authority,
stability, and security. While Aristotle focused on the ideal nature of the state
and its role in promoting the common good, Machiavelli's perspective was
more pragmatic and focused on the acquisition and preservation of power.
Both philosophers made significant contributions to our understanding of the
state, providing different insights into its nature, purpose, and the challenges
of governance.

Chapter 5: Constituent Elements of State and importance

of each Element.

1. Population: The population refers to the group of individuals who live within
the boundaries of a state. They are the people who make up the society and
form the basis of the state's identity. The importance of the population lies in
their participation and engagement in the state's affairs. They contribute to
the economy, culture, and overall development of the state through their
labor, skills, and ideas.

2. Territory: Territory represents the physical area over which a state exercises
its authority. It includes the land, water, and airspace within the state's
borders. The importance of territory is that it provides a space for the state to
establish its laws, regulations, and infrastructure. Territory also enables the
state to defend its sovereignty and maintain control over its resources. It

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serves as the physical foundation for the state's governance and ensures the
unity and coherence of the state.

3. Government: The government is the central authority that exercises power

and governs the state. It is responsible for making and implementing laws,
maintaining order, providing public services, and representing the state
domestically and internationally. The importance of government lies in its
ability to establish and enforce rules, resolve conflicts, protect the rights and
interests of citizens, and promote the well-being of society. It ensures the
functioning and stability of the state's institutions and maintains law and
order.

4. Sovereignty: Sovereignty refers to the ultimate and exclusive authority and

control that the state possesses within its territory. It signifies the
independence and autonomy of the state from external influences. The
importance of sovereignty lies in the state's ability to make decisions,
formulate policies, and act in the best interests of its citizens without undue
interference from other states or external forces. Sovereignty ensures that the
state has the power to govern itself and protect its national interests.

5. Laws and Institutions: Laws are rules and regulations that govern the
behavior and interactions of individuals within the state. Institutions, such as
the legislature, executive, and judiciary, are the formal structures that create,
implement, and interpret these laws. The importance of laws and institutions
is that they provide a framework for governance, justice, and accountability.
They ensure the rule of law, protect individual rights, resolve disputes, and
uphold the principles of fairness and equality. Laws and institutions help
maintain order, stability, and the functioning of the state.

Each element of the state is important and interdependent. The population

provides the foundation of the state's society, while the territory provides a
physical space for governance. The government exercises authority and

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ensures the implementation of laws and the provision of public services.
Sovereignty safeguards the state's independence, and laws and institutions
establish the framework for governance and justice. Together, these elements
contribute to the stability, well-being, and functioning of the state, promoting
a sense of identity, security, and progress for its citizens.

Chapter 6: Comparative Study- State and Government,

State and Society, State and Association.

COMPARATIVE STUDY: STATE & GOVERNMENT

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By comparing the state and government across these aspects, we can see
that the state represents the broader political entity, while the government is
a specific institution responsible for exercising political power.

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 PART B: Sovereignty as the Basic Element of the State.

Chapter 1: Meaning and Definition of Sovereignty.

Meaning: Sovereignty is when a nation holds ultimate power, To govern itself,

its fate it can empower. It's the right to make choices and have control, Over
its land, people, and policies as a whole. No external authority can dictate or
sway, A sovereign state's decisions, it's their say. It's about freedom,
independence, and self-rule, Sovereignty ensures a nation can thrive and fuel.

DEFINITION : Jean Bodin defined sovereignty as the highest power and

authority within a country or state. It means that a government has complete
control and independence to make decisions and enforce laws within its
borders. Sovereignty ensures that a country is not under the control of any
external authority and has the right to govern itself.

According to Bodin, the sovereign, whether it is a king or a governing body,

should have absolute and unquestionable authority over the state. This
concept influenced the development of modern nation-states and the
principle of state sovereignty that we see today.

Chapter 2: Two Aspects of Sovereignty: Internal and

External.

Internal Sovereignty: Internal sovereignty refers to the authority and power a

government possesses within its own country. It represents the highest level
of control and decision-making within the country's borders. The government
exercises this internal sovereignty to govern its people, enforce laws, maintain
order, and provide public services.

Characteristics of internal sovereignty include:

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1. Legislative Power: The government has the ability to create laws and
regulations that apply to its citizens. It can establish rules that dictate how
society functions and how individuals are expected to behave.

2. Executive Power: The government holds the power to execute and enforce
the laws. It is responsible for implementing policies, managing public
institutions, and ensuring the proper functioning of administrative bodies.

3. Judicial Power: The government has the authority to establish a judicial

system that interprets and applies the law. It ensures justice is served,
resolves disputes, and punishes those who violate the law.

4. Taxation and Public Services: The government has the right to collect taxes
from its citizens to finance public services such as education, healthcare,
infrastructure, and defense. These services contribute to the well-being and
development of the nation.

External Sovereignty: External sovereignty refers to a country's independence

and its ability to interact with other nations on its own terms. It signifies the
freedom of a state from external control or influence. External sovereignty
allows a country to make decisions about its foreign policy, establish
diplomatic relations, engage in trade, and participate in international
organizations.

Characteristics of external sovereignty include:

1. Independence: A sovereign state is autonomous and free from the control

or dominance of other nations. It has the right to determine its own political,
economic, and social systems without interference.

2. Recognition: Other countries recognize and respect a state's sovereignty.

Recognition plays a vital role in establishing diplomatic relations and
participating in international affairs.

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3. Treaties and International Agreements: A sovereign state can enter into
treaties and agreements with other nations. These agreements define the
terms of cooperation, establish obligations, and promote mutual interests.

4. Foreign Policy: The government determines its foreign policy, including its
stance on international issues, alliances, and trade relations. It can engage in
negotiations, represent its interests on the global stage, and contribute to
international decisionmaking.

It is important to note that internal and external sovereignty are interrelated. A

state's ability to exercise internal sovereignty effectively influences its external
sovereignty, and vice versa. The two aspects together contribute to the
overall independence and authority of a sovereign state.

Chapter 3: Essential Characteristics of Sovereignty

Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority and independence of a

governing body or state.

1. Authority: Sovereignty entails having the highest power or control within a

specific territory. It means that the governing body has the right to make
decisions and enforce laws without interference from external sources.

2. Independence: A sovereign entity is independent and free from external

domination or control. It has the right to determine its own political, economic,
and social systems without being subjected to the will of other nations or
entities.

3. Territoriality: Sovereignty is tied to a defined territory or geographical area. It

implies that the governing body has exclusive jurisdiction and control over its
land, airspace, and waters within its boundaries.

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4. Legitimacy: The authority of a sovereign entity is typically derived from the
consent of its people or through established legal frameworks. Legitimacy
ensures that the governing body is recognized as the rightful representative
of the population and possesses the right to exercise power.

5. Non-Interference: Sovereign states have the right to manage their internal

affairs without external interference. This principle, known as non-interference,
protects a sovereign entity's ability to make decisions and govern without
undue influence from other nations.

6. Equality: Sovereign states are considered equal in the international arena,

regardless of their size, population, or economic strength. Each state has an
inherent right to sovereign status and is afforded the same respect and
recognition as other states.

These characteristics collectively define the essence of sovereignty,

emphasizing the authority, independence, territoriality, legitimacy,
non-interference, and equality of a governing body within its defined territory.

Chapter 4: The Notion of Legal Sovereignty, Political

Sovereignty and Popular Sovereignty

1. Legal Sovereignty: Legal sovereignty refers to the concept that the

governing body or state has the ultimate legal authority within its territory. It
means that the government's decisions and actions are binding and
enforceable by law. Legal sovereignty is often established through a
constitution or legal framework that outlines the powers and limitations of the
government. It ensures that the government's actions are carried out within
the boundaries of the law.

2. Political Sovereignty: Political sovereignty refers to the governing body's

ability to exercise power and make decisions independently without

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interference from external forces. It encompasses the authority to govern,
create policies, and enforce laws. Political sovereignty emphasizes the
government's control over its own affairs and the ability to represent the
interests of its citizens. It involves the government's ability to make decisions
regarding internal and external matters, such as domestic policies, foreign
relations, and defense.

3. Popular Sovereignty: Popular sovereignty is based on the idea that the

ultimate source of political power and authority lies with the people. In this
concept, the government's legitimacy and authority are derived from the
consent and will of the people it governs. Popular sovereignty emphasizes
that governments exist to serve the people and should be accountable to
them. It often involves mechanisms such as elections, voting rights, and
participatory processes that allow citizens to express their will and influence
decision-making.

In summary, legal sovereignty focuses on the government's legal authority,

political sovereignty emphasizes its independent exercise of power, and
popular sovereignty highlights the people's ultimate authority and consent in
the governance process.

Chapter 5: History of the Development of the Concept of

Sovereignty

The concept of sovereignty has evolved over centuries, and its development
can be traced through significant historical events.

1. Ancient and Medieval Periods: In ancient times, power was often

concentrated in the hands of monarchs or rulers who claimed divine
authority. The ruler's authority was seen as absolute and unquestionable, and

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they held control over territories and subjects. This period was characterized
by the absence of a clear distinction between the ruler and the state.

2. Westphalian System (17th Century): The Westphalian system, emerging

after the Thirty Years' War in Europe, played a pivotal role in shaping the
modern concept of sovereignty. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 established
the principles of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in
the internal affairs of states. It recognized the notion that states have
exclusive authority within their territories and are equal in the international
arena.

3. Enlightenment and the Social Contract Theory: During the Enlightenment

period in the 18th century, philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke,
and Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed theories of social contract. These
theories argued that political authority is derived from the consent of the
governed. They emphasized the idea that sovereignty ultimately rests with
the people and that governments exist to serve the interests of the people.

4. American and French Revolutions: The American Revolution (1775-1783)

and the French Revolution (1789-1799) played a significant role in advancing
the concept of popular sovereignty. These revolutions challenged the
authority of monarchies and emphasized the rights and freedoms of
individuals. The American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789) both reflected the
principles of popular sovereignty and the idea that governments derive their
authority from the consent of the governed.

5. Development of International Law: In the 19th and 20th centuries, the

development of international law further solidified the concept of sovereignty.
Treaties, agreements, and international organizations recognized the rights of
states to govern their internal affairs without interference. The principle of

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sovereign equality among states became a fundamental aspect of
international relations.

Throughout history, the concept of sovereignty has evolved from absolute

monarchies to the recognition of state authority, the influence of popular
consent, and the establishment of international norms. Today, sovereignty
remains a foundational principle in determining the rights and responsibilities
of states in the global community.

Chapter 6: Contribution of Jean Bodin, Hugo Grotius,

Jeremy Bentham

Jean Bodin, Hugo Grotius, and Jeremy Bentham made significant

contributions to political and legal thought.

1. Jean Bodin: Jean Bodin, a French philosopher and jurist of the 16th century,
played a crucial role in shaping the concept of sovereignty. He is known for his
work "Six Books of the Commonwealth," where he discussed the idea of
sovereign power. Bodin argued that sovereignty, or supreme political
authority, should reside in a single governing body or ruler. He emphasized
the importance of a unified and centralized state authority and stressed that
the sovereign's power should be absolute and indivisible within the defined
territory. Bodin's ideas helped establish the foundation for the modern
concept of sovereignty.

2. Hugo Grotius: Hugo Grotius, a Dutch jurist and philosopher of the 17th
century, is often regarded as the father of international law. His most
influential work, "The Law of War and Peace," significantly contributed to the
development of international legal principles. Grotius proposed the idea of
natural law, which suggested that certain rights and principles are inherent to
human beings and applicable to all nations. He argued for the existence of a

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common set of laws that governs relations between states and promotes
peaceful coexistence. Grotius's ideas laid the groundwork for the modern
system of international law, emphasizing the importance of treaties,
agreements, and the respect for the rights of states.

3. Jeremy Bentham: Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher and legal theorist

of the 18th and 19th centuries, made notable contributions to the field of
utilitarianism. Bentham's utilitarian philosophy focused on maximizing
happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people. He
advocated for the principle of "the greatest happiness of the greatest
number" as the basis for ethical and legal decision-making. Bentham's ideas
had a profound impact on legal thought, promoting the concept of social
utility and the importance of considering the consequences of laws and
policies in terms of their overall impact on society.

In summary, Jean Bodin emphasized the importance of a unified and

absolute sovereign power, Hugo Grotius contributed to the development of
international law and the recognition of common legal principles among
nations, and Jeremy Bentham introduced the concept of utilitarianism,
emphasizing the maximization of happiness and the consideration of overall
societal well-being in legal and ethical decision-making.

Chapter 7: Social Contract/Consent Theory. (Hobbes, Locke

and Rousseau)

The social contract theory, proposed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, explores the idea of how societies are formed and
governed based on the consent of the governed. Here's a simplified
explanation of their perspectives:

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1. Thomas Hobbes: Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher of the 17th
century, believed that human beings are naturally self-interested and driven
by their own desires. He argued that in a state of nature, without any form of
government, life would be chaotic and characterized by a "war of all against
all." To escape this state, Hobbes proposed a social contract where
individuals willingly give up some of their freedoms and rights to a governing
authority. In return, the government provides security and order, thereby
preventing constant conflict. According to Hobbes, the authority of the
government should be absolute to maintain peace and stability.

2. John Locke: John Locke, also an English philosopher of the 17th century, had
a more optimistic view of human nature. He believed that individuals are
inherently rational and possess natural rights, including life, liberty, and
property. Locke argued that people form a social contract to protect these
rights and create a legitimate government. According to Locke, the role of the
government is to secure these rights and serve the interests of the people. If
the government fails to do so, individuals have the right to overthrow it.
Locke's ideas laid the groundwork for the concepts of limited government,
individual rights, and the right to revolution.

3. Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an 18th-century French

philosopher, had a different perspective on the social contract. He believed
that in the state of nature, people were inherently good and equal. However,
the advent of private property and social inequality corrupted human nature.
Rousseau argued that the social contract should be based on the general will,
which represents the collective interests and desires of the entire community.
According to Rousseau, individuals should surrender their self-interests for the
common good, and the government should be a direct expression of the
general will. He emphasized the importance of active citizen participation in

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decision-making and the importance of a democratic and egalitarian
society.

In summary, Thomas Hobbes believed that individuals willingly give up their

freedoms for security and order, John Locke emphasized the protection of
natural rights and the right to overthrow an oppressive government, and
Jean-Jacques Rousseau highlighted the importance of the general will and
collective decision-making in the social contract. These perspectives offer
different insights into how societies are formed and governed based on the
consent and agreement of the people.

Chapter 8: John Austin’s Theory of Sovereignty

John Austin was a 19th-century legal philosopher known for his theory of
sovereignty. According to Austin, sovereignty is the highest and ultimate
authority within a political system. He defined sovereignty as the power to
make laws that are habitually obeyed by the majority of people in a society,
while the sovereign itself is not bound by any higher authority.

Austin emphasized that sovereignty resides in a determinate body or person

who possesses three essential attributes:

1. The sovereign has the power to issue commands or laws that govern the
behavior of individuals within a specific territory. These commands are
backed by the threat of coercion or punishment.

2. The sovereign's commands are habitually obeyed by the majority of the

population. Austin considered habitual obedience as a crucial aspect of
sovereignty, as it distinguishes a sovereign from a mere usurper or pretender
to power.

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3. The sovereign is not subject to the commands or laws of any other
authority. In other words, the sovereign is above the law and is not bound by
any higher political or legal authority.

According to Austin, the source of sovereignty lies in a legal or constitutional

framework that establishes the political system and grants power to the
sovereign. The sovereign's authority is derived from the recognition and
acceptance of the people within the society.

Austin's theory of sovereignty emphasizes the centralized and absolute power

of the sovereign, who has the exclusive authority to create and enforce laws.
His theory had a significant influence on legal and political thought,
particularly in the development of legal positivism, which asserts that laws
derive their legitimacy from the authority of the sovereign.

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