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