Quiz 4 (The State)

What are the 4 characteristics of Weber’s definition of a state?

According to Max Weber, a state is a community of people that make the claim they are the only ones who can legitimately use force in given territory. Exact definition: “a human community that claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory”

What are the two types of force a state can use according to Michael Mann?

·      The first type is despotic force, which is physical force used by military to coerce. The second type is infrastructural force, where the government can intervene with our daily lives in ways that aren’t physical (think speed cameras and taxes).

According to Charles Tily, what are the origins of a state?

·      Charles Tilly posited that states originate from an accumulation of capital as well as through conflict. He rejected the idea of a social contract.

Why is Charles Tily’s position on the origin of a state critiqued?

·      Tily’s position fails to realize that other influences, such as cultural, historical, and religious factors, can play a role in the creation of a state.

What is Charles Tily’s famous quote that summarizes his stance on the origin of the state?

·      “Wars make states and states make wars.”

What are the 4 qualities needed for a state?

·      States have administration/bureaucracy, military, judiciary system, and subcentral government/legislative bodies (AMJL). Administration enacts policy and runs affairs of state. Military monopolizes force. Judiciary system prevents bias in power. Legislative bodies link the central government to peripheral entities.

What is the difference between a nation and a state?

·      A nation is the grouping of people based on shared beliefs while a state is a legal entity that is recognized.

What are 3 types of democracy and what are their characteristics?

·      In a direct democracy, citizens directly vote for issues at hand. In a representative democracy, citizens vote for elected officials who act on behalf of the citizens. Lastly, liberal democracies are a form of representative democracies where there are certain rights of citizens which are protected; these include freedom of speech, freedom of press, and right to assemble—amongst other rights.

What are two undemocratic types of government and what are their characteristics?

·      The first type of undemocratic government is totalitarian dictatorship. This type of government attempts to control every aspect of life—social, cultural, religious, and political. The second type of undemocratic government is authoritarian dictatorship. This type of government tries to maintain their power by abusing and manipulating political systems.