Parsons pp 91ff

What defines the concept of a state in political science?

A state is an organization that runs a country, claiming a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence in a fixed territory.

What is the principle of state sovereignty?

State sovereignty is the principle that one organization holds supreme authority over a territory.

How does a nation differ from a state?

A nation refers to a group of people who share a cultural identity and believe they should govern themselves, while a state is a political organization overseeing a territory.

What historical period marked the formal recognition of state sovereignty?

The Treaty of Westphalia of 1648 marked the end of the Thirty Years' War and established the rule of state sovereignty.

What are empires and how do they differ from states?

Empires are political systems that dominate a central territory and other territories they govern in various ways, often lacking fixed borders.

What role did feudalism play in political organization?

Feudalism was a social system based on obligations between lords and vassals that created a hierarchy rather than a centralized state.

What is colonialism in regard to state organization?

Colonialism is a form of empire where a central state controls and governs colonial territories.

What is decolonization?

Decolonization is the process by which former colonies gain independence and become recognized as states.

What does the term 'nation-state' refer to?

A nation-state is a political model where the inhabitants of a sovereign state share a common cultural identity.

What are 'failed states'?

Failed states are countries where the central government is unable to maintain control, leading to chaos and instability.

What is the key consequence of the lack of alignment between states and nations?

The lack of alignment can lead to internal conflicts and challenges in establishing stable governance.

Explain the concept of citizenship.

Citizenship is legal membership in a state that grants individuals rights and privileges within that state.

What are the two main principles for acquiring citizenship?

The two main principles are jus sanguinis (right of blood) and jus soli (right of soil).

How can citizenship laws reflect national identity?

Citizenship laws can either restrict access based on ethnic or cultural inheritance (jus sanguinis) or provide access based on residency (jus soli).

What impact does state identity have on socio-political problems today?

State identity and the structure of governance can shape tensions around issues such as immigration, citizenship, and national unity.