POL101 LESSON 4

Origin of the State

Theories of State Origin

1. Divine Right Theory

2. Social Contract Theory

3. Force Theory

4. Natural Theory

5. Patriarchal Theory

6. Instinctive Theory

7. Economic Theory

Divine Right Theory

• Oldest theory of state origin, accepted in ancient and medieval times.

• Political authority comes from God; rulers derive power from God.

• Challenging the ruler is viewed as challenging God's authority.

• Based on teachings in the New Testament, e.g., Romans 13:1-6.

• Kings are accountable only to God, not to their subjects.

Criticism

• Declined due to the rise of democracy.

• Dangerous because it justified despotic and irresponsible rule.

Social Contract Theory

• Dominant in 17th and 18th centuries, replacing Divine Right.

• Assumes two periods in human history:

  1. State of Nature: No government, laws, or restraints.

  2. Civil Society: Agreement among men to form a state for protection and civil rights.

Versions of Social Contract Theory

1. Thomas Hobbes: Viewed state of nature as brutal; advocates for an absolute sovereign (Leviathan).

2. John Locke: Believed men were rational; needed a state for peace and essential services.

3. Rousseau: Emphasized general will; viewed the state as democratic.

Force Theory

• State arises from conquest, force, or coercion.

• Doctrine: "Might makes right".

• Power of the ruler is crucial for maintaining control.

• Quote from historical figures like Hitler and Mao Zedong.

Natural Theory

• State is a natural institution, akin to a living organism.

• Development rooted in individuals' needs and interests; also called "Organic Theory".

Patriarchal Theory

• State evolved through a process of social evolution.

• Complexity of state life explained from simple origins.

Instinctive Theory

• State arose from men’s natural inclination for political association.

• Promotes self-preservation and security.

Economic Theory

• State developed out of man’s economic needs.

• Influenced by Plato’s analysis of state arising from cooperative needs.