Understanding the State: Territory, Government, and Power

The State: Definition and Key Elements

The State is a political unit that holds supreme authority within a defined territory and over its inhabitants. It represents the organized structure of a society, characterized by:

• Boundaries
• Population
• Laws
• Symbols

Territory and Population

A state possesses a defined territory with boundaries separating it from other states. The population comprises the citizens residing within this territory. A nation refers to a group of people sharing a common identity. The terms 'nation' and 'country' are often used interchangeably.

Government and Laws

States grant rights to citizens, while citizens have legal duties. Sanctions are in place to enforce these laws.

Powers of the State

A state has the authority to govern through laws. States establish institutions such as:

• The police
• Armed forces
• Diplomatic corps
• Civil servants

Distribution of Power

• Centralized State: (e.g., France)
• Autonomous State: (e.g., Spain, Italy)
• Federal State: (e.g., USA, Germany)
• Confederal State: (e.g., Switzerland)

Functions of the State

The state performs several key functions:

• Maintaining order
• Defending territory
• Conducting international relations
• Passing laws
• Providing services
• Regulating the economy

Welfare State

A welfare state aims to provide all citizens with a good standard of living. States utilize tax revenue to fund essential services.

Democratic State

A democratic state is governed by the people. Citizens elect representatives. Key characteristics of a democratic state include:

• Inclusiveness: All citizens have the right to vote.
• Participatory: Citizens can stand as candidates and freely present political programs.
• Periodic Elections: Elections are held regularly (e.g., every 4 years in Spain).
• Open and Fair Elections: Voting is secret and conducted fairly.

Forms of Government

• Dictatorship: Power is concentrated in one person. Dictators often use violence, suppress citizen participation, lack separation of powers, violate rights, and lack independent institutions.
• Monarchy: The head of state is a king or queen (e.g., Spain).
• Republic: The head of state is a president elected by the people.
• Theocracy: Laws are based on sacred texts.

Relationships Between States

States enter into pacts and treaties, creating obligations for specific actions.

• Economic Conflicts: Common when economic interests of two or more countries clash.
• Armed Conflicts: Involve the use of force and wars.

International Organizations

International organizations are voluntary associations created by states with specific territories and objectives.

The United Nations

The United Nations (founded in 1945) intervenes to promote peace in international conflicts. Its objectives include supporting human rights, peace, and cooperation. Main bodies include the Secretariat, General Assembly, and Security Council. Agencies include UNICEF, UNESCO, FAO, WHO, UNHCR, and ILO.

State Organization

States organize their territory into smaller units for effective governance, typically with three levels of government: central, regional, and local.