This essay attempts to evaluate the State’s importance within the field of Politics.
In the first place it needs to be discussed, what the State is. This is one of the most frequently asked questions
within the field of Politics. It seems to be a simple question to ask but as we will see later on, the idea of the
State is hard to pin down and there is not only one absolute definition. Often, the term ‘State’ is misunderstood
and even misused. When mentioning the State there is a variety of responses: fear, hope or even puzzlement. We
do not only talk of the ‘police state’ or the ‘welfare state’. It is undeniable that the State is of profound
significance. In most advanced societies, the State has become a consistent presence – affecting our daily lives
constantly. This is partly because the State is recording births, certifying them, authorizing our marriages and
enacting them. We are paying taxes, carry our passport with us when entering or leaving a State and we have to
obey the laws made by the State. Just try not to pay taxes.
The State doesn’t reveal itself at the first look. By definition it’s an abstract idea, since it is independent of rulers
who can be replaced. Several persons might argue that the today’s understanding of the term State is equivalent
or a simple analogue of the Greek city (polis1). That is, the Greek polis had no understanding of privacy or
citizens´ rights or freedoms. The polis stood above all and the citizens had to serve the polis not the way around,
as we know it today. The State’s purpose today is to serve its citizens. But they do have something in common:
They both have a definite territory, the idea of citizenship, a certain population and also laws. The State and its
nature have been analyzed by various scholars in the twentieth century.
1` Transliteration of the Greek word for `city-state´. In Plato and especially Aristotle, polis has the normative
connotation of the best form of social organization.´(McLean, I; McMillan A. (2003) Concise Dictionary of
Politics, Polis p.413, Oxford University Press
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Defining the State
3. Functions and Institutions of the State
4. Levels of Analysis in Comparative Politics
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This coursework evaluates the significance of the "State" as a unit of political analysis, examining its evolution, definitions, and its relationship with individuals and society within the framework of comparative politics.
- Theoretical definitions and origins of the State
- Functions and roles of the State in modern society
- Comparative analysis of institution-centred, society-centred, and state-centred approaches
- Easton’s systems model of the political system
- Evaluation of the State's appropriateness as the primary unit of political analysis
Excerpt from the Book
Levels of Analysis in Comparative Politics
When talking about the State in the tutorial, my fellow students and I talked about the three levels of analysis in comparative politics. The first one mentioned is the Institution-centred, next the Society-centred and the State-centred. A shifting between these three levels is possible. Institutions help holding society together because they possess legal personality over generations. Organizations do shape behaviour.
It is argued that most countries have an executive, legislature and judiciary and therefore should be compared. When comparing institutions one has to realize that roles matter more than people holding them. When using the institutional level one should compare legislatures rather than legislators and so on. Persons are seen as actors performing their role; they attend meetings, visit foreign countries for negotiation and so on, but simply because they are expected to.
In the 1970s this approach was no longer appropriate due to state building, so a more society-centred approach took place. Within this approach ‘the political system’ among other vocabulary still forms part of today’s political analysis. For a better illustration I will describe Easton’s model of the political system.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the core essay question regarding the State's importance and acknowledges the inherent difficulty in pinning down a singular, absolute definition of the term.
2. Defining the State: This section explores various historical and contemporary perspectives on the State, referencing thinkers like Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Weber to highlight its abstract nature and origins.
3. Functions and Institutions of the State: This chapter outlines the primary functions of the State, including internal order and external defense, and discusses John Hall's institutional definition of the State.
4. Levels of Analysis in Comparative Politics: This chapter examines the shift between institution-centred, society-centred, and state-centred approaches and details Easton's systems model as a tool for understanding political inputs and outputs.
5. Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the arguments, asserting that while the State is a crucial tool, it is not the only appropriate unit of analysis, and context remains essential for political study.
Keywords
State, Politics, Sovereignty, Institutions, Comparative Politics, Easton’s Model, Political System, Citizenship, Governance, Society, Behaviouralism, Territoriality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines the importance of the State as a central unit of political analysis and discusses its definition, functions, and role in comparative politics.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Central themes include the historical emergence of the State, the relationship between the State and the individual, and the evolution of political analysis methodologies.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The objective is to explore the validity of the statement "The only appropriate unit of political analysis is the state" and to identify alternative approaches to political analysis.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The essay utilizes a literature-based theoretical analysis, drawing on historical philosophy and comparative political models like those developed by David Easton.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the conceptual definition of the State, the functions of sovereignty, the transition from institutional to society-centred analysis, and the influence of behaviouralism.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include State, Sovereignty, Institutions, Comparative Politics, Political System, and Governance.
How does Easton's model explain political systems?
Easton's model views the political system as a mechanism that converts societal demands (inputs) into policies and decisions (outputs), incorporating a feedback loop.
Why is the "State-centred" approach sometimes insufficient?
As noted in the paper, it can be seen as too static, and relying solely on the State can lead to neglecting other important variables like voter behaviour or societal cleavages.
What does the author conclude about the State as an analytical unit?
The author concludes that while the State is a vital tool, it is not the *only* appropriate unit of analysis, as political context and individual behaviour also play critical roles.
- Quote paper
- Ivonne Giechau (Author), 2004, The only appropriate unit of political analysis is the state.Discuss., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/32232
