Chapter 02 - POLI 1020
The American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation
After the American Revolution, the Thirteen Colonies functioned under the Articles of Confederation (1781).
Each colony retained sovereignty, freedom, and independence.
Established a league of friendship for common defense and welfare.
Faced issues of disunion and foreign threats; impactful inability for united action.
The Constitutional Convention (1787)
Convened on May 25, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Ignored unanimity requirement to amend the Articles.
Drafted a new constitution with compromises to form the United States as a sovereign state.
New government had power to levy taxes, establish tariffs, raise armies, etc.
Hamilton emphasized the importance of a strong union for peace and liberty.
Emergence of the Interstate System
The U.S. federal system inspired the emergence of similar federations in Europe (e.g., Belgium in 1830, Italy in 1861).
The United States appeared later in the evolution of the global interstate system, traditionally dominated by European powers.
Before this, global politics was shaped by empires, tribes, and city-states.
European Interstate System
The chapter outlines the birth and evolution of the state in Europe and its transition from kingdoms to communities governed by citizens.
Discusses the intertwining of nationalism and statehood post-French Revolution.
Examines the contrasting political systems of imperial China and medieval Islam, noting how they differ significantly from the European state model.
China's Historical Political Structure
China embodied a different form of political organization through its imperial polity, based on culture and language.
Confucianism influenced Chinese political identity and governance, emphasizing moral behavior for unity.
Chinese political thought contrasts with European perspectives with respect to global politics.
Islam and the Caliphate
Islam's emergence in the 7th century as a unifying religious-social-political framework that clashed with Western powers.
Oversaw significant civilizational achievements, shaping a distinctive political community.
The Islamic Caliphate’s influence has reverberated throughout history, impacting relations with Western states.
Sovereignty and the State System
Sovereignty, outlined by the Montevideo Convention, requires a permanent population, defined territory, and autonomous governance.
Sovereignty involves two dimensions: internal authority and equality among states externally, absent of legal hierarchy.
Modern concept of the state is historically contingent, with its evolution shaped by European influence.
The Evolution of Political Forms
Political developments in Europe saw the creation of territorial states, featuring centralized authority and sovereignty.
The chapter takes academic perspectives: realists focus on state actors, liberals critique state limitations, and constructivists emphasize evolving political norms.
Key Milestones in State Development
The chapter divides history into stages from the Middle Ages to modern territorial state formation, including transformations during the French Revolution.
Emphasizes how kings maneuvered through power struggles and wealth accumulation to build armies and centralize governance.
Erosion of the Modern State System
Observations on the current erosion of the state system due to the rise of non-state actors, including corporations and terrorist groups.
Recognition that international cooperation frameworks and non-governmental organizations are playing vital roles alongside states.
Nationalism and popular sovereignty evolved, signifying a shift toward citizens’ influence in governance post-French Revolution.