POS1101-M4

Module 4: What is a Political System?

Overview of Political Systems

• Definition: A political system is a network of relationships through which the government and other actors generate outputs (policies) in response to inputs (demands or support) from the public.

• Relation to Social System: It is a subset of the larger social system.

What is the State?

• Definition: A political organization distinguished by:

  • Purpose: Establishment of order and security.

  • Methods: Laws and their enforcement.

  • Territory: Geographic boundaries.

  • Sovereignty: Authority to make binding decisions.

Models of Political Systems

• Inputs:

  • Demands: Requests from the public.

  • Supports: Endorsements from the public.

• Political System: Institutions responsible for addressing demands and reaching consensus.

  • Authority: Government and religious institutions.

• Outputs:

  • Decisions: Actions taken by the political system.

  • Policies: Formalized decisions.

• Feedback: Public reactions that influence future demands and support.

• Environment: External factors that shape inputs and outputs.

Functions within Political Systems

• System Functions:

  • Socialization: Development of political culture through families, schools, and media.

  • Recruitment: Selection of individuals for political roles.

  • Communication: Flow of information within the political system.

• Process Functions:

  • Interest Articulation: Expression of needs and demands.

  • Interest Aggregation: Combining demands into policy proposals.

  • Policy-making: Deciding which proposals become authoritative rules.

  • Policy Implementation: Enforcing public policies.

• Policy Functions:

  • Extraction of Resources: Gathering necessary resources for governance.

  • Regulation of Behavior: Establishing norms and rules.

  • Distribution of Services: Providing benefits to the public.

Environment and Interdependence

• Policymaking: Governments are central to political systems.

• Legitimate Coercion: Government decisions are often enforced through authority.

• International and Domestic Environments: Political systems operate within both spheres.

Key Features of the State

1. Sovereignty: Absolute power over territory.

2. Public Responsibility: Making and enforcing collective decisions.

3. Legitimation: Decisions made for the common good.

4. Domination: Authority backed by coercion.

5. Territorial Association: Defined geographic jurisdiction.

State vs. Government

• State: Permanent entity with extensive authority.

• Government: Temporary, reformable body associated with those in power.

Theories of the State

1. Pluralist State: Acts as a neutral arbiter among competing interests.

2. Capitalist State: Instrument of class oppression reflecting economic structures.

3. Leviathan State: Viewed as self-serving and intrusive.

4. Patriarchal State: Reflects and reinforces gender inequalities.

Role of the State

• Statism: Belief in state intervention for political and social issues.

• Minimal State: Protects individual freedoms with limited intervention.

• Developmental State: Actively promotes economic growth.

• Social-Democratic State: Focuses on social justice and equality.

• Collectivized State: Controls the economy through public ownership.

• Totalitarian State: Dominates all aspects of life.

Challenges to the State

• Globalization: Diminishes state relevance through interdependence.

• Privatization: Transfers state assets to the private sector.

• Decentralization: Shifts responsibilities to local levels.

• Multi-Level Governance: Involves various levels of government and actors.

Important Figures in Political Theory

1. Thomas Hobbes: Advocated for absolute sovereignty.

2. John Locke: Promoted a limited state focused on natural rights.

3. Karl Marx: Viewed the state as a tool of class oppression.

4. Max Weber: Defined the state by its monopoly on legitimate violence.

5. G.W.F. Hegel: Considered the state the highest expression of ethical life.

Comparative Perspectives on the State

• State Formation: Influenced by military conflict and economic systems.

• Types of States: Absolutist, democratic, authoritarian, and totalitarian.

• State and Society Relations: Interaction with civil society and social movements.

• Legitimacy and Authority: Different forms of authority maintain state legitimacy.

Conclusion

• The study of political systems and the state reveals diverse ways in which they emerge, evolve, and maintain power, especially in the context of globalization and changing dynamics