In the broad and narrow sense, the state takes a central position in considering the political system of society. Thanks to the presence of such an institution, not only managerial activity is objectively implemented, but also provided by the many benefits of society as a whole. Many may be skeptical of this statement, but the state in the narrow sense of the word is called upon to pay pensions, provide maternal capital for families, provide housing subsidies, and give other benefits. It is important to note that in addition to observing the constitution, civil and criminal laws, government officials no longer require anything from the population. Agree, because everyone is paid pensions when they reach a certain age. The problem is only in their size.
We reveal the meaning of the term
In the broad and narrow sense, the state is understood differently. Analyzing this concept from the point of view of science, in the first case it represents a certain community of people that lives in a certain territory. As a rule, this society refers to itself as a state whose borders are defined, established and recognized by other countries. Another distinctive feature that allows us to distinguish between the state in a narrow and broad sense is political unity.
Today, it is especially common in modern countries. Agree, each person to a certain extent owns information about the political situation in the country. It is worth noting that until the beginning of the eighteenth century the definition in question was understood only in a broad sense and was inextricably linked with the society living in it.
A bit of history
Looking into the halls of historical development, we note that the term "state" in the narrow sense was interpreted by the following concepts: principality, republic, kingdom, empire, and so on. One of the first who tried to specify the essence of state associations was Machiavelli.
The scientist introduced a general concept that denoted supreme rule over a people, regardless of the form of its association (monarchy, republic) - stati. Agree, it’s insanely similar in spelling to the English-speaking state, which means “state”, “state” in translation. Further Machiavelli devoted a significant part of his life to the study of statehood.
State and society: separately and separately
The followers of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Russo are great scientists whose research pushed science forward, clearly distinguished and separated the concepts of “state” and “society” from each other. The basis of this classification were laid contractual (contractual) theory. Scientists claimed that individuals in the process of their development initially divided into large groups, which subsequently transformed into society. While states were formed by certain groups of people. And this process was facilitated by economic interaction, the need to ensure security, as well as the implementation and protection of political and civil human rights.
In the narrow sense, modern science understands the state as a single organization, which is endowed with supreme power and the framework of which is limited to a certain territory.
About the signs and distinguishing features of statehood
In the theory of state and law, any institution has a number of distinctive features, with the exception of the concept of statehood, which has the following features:
- Public authority is independent and separated from the people.
- A clear indication of the boundaries of territorial sovereignty.
- The presence of supreme power in the designated territory.
- The exclusive right to apply coercive measures.
- Existence of the right to collect taxation.
It is worth noting that the absence of at least one of the signs allows us to conclude that an entity that calls itself a state is not such.