Political Science: State, Power, and Legitimacy
Political Power
Power: The ability of a person or group to impose its will. Power belongs to the realm of politics and permeates all areas of our lives. It should not be confused with manipulation, extortion, or violence. Foucault argues that power also has a positive or productive dimension. Political power is organized in the polls, as is the state’s political power of those involved in its regulation.
State
A society in which there is some sort of political organization. The state is synonymous with a politically organized society. The concept of state today is much more restrictive, referring to a type of organization that has a permanent and unchallengeable power in a particular territory. Max Weber argues that the specificity of the state is to have a monopoly of force and violence. The state is not the same as the government.
Features of the State:
- Territorial power: The power of the state extends to all territory delineated by its borders.
- Sovereignty: There is no higher authority outside the state.
- Responsible for maintaining order: The state has the obligation to protect its members from internal and external threats.
Theories on the Origin of the State
State is Not Necessary: Advocated by anarchism, which argues that the state is an instrument of oppression and that life is naturally good.
State is Required: For two reasons:
- To control violence and outbreaks of violence.
- To promote the common good.
Social Contract Theory: The state is the result of a pact or contract between individuals. This theory is not intended to describe a historical fact but rather to provide an explanatory metaphor.
Hobbes: State of nature: Individuals do not recognize or respect any rights. Pact: Individuals unconditionally assign all their rights to the state. Result: Authoritarian state.
Locke: State of nature: Human beings have natural rights. They transfer their rights to a group of people who represent them. Result: Representative democracy.
Rousseau: State of nature: Individuals are free and good. They put their services available to all. Result: Direct democracy.
Types of State
Authoritarian State: Authority is unlimited and does not recognize any body that can criticize it. Individuals are defenseless against any abuse of authority.
Absolutist State: The sovereign power is unlimited and not subject to any restrictions.
Totalitarian State: The most comprehensive form of control, where the state controls things that are not traditionally considered state actors.
Rule of Law
The authority is subjected to the rule of law. Power must be within the limits of the legal system, which aims to protect individual rights.
Features of the Rule of Law:
- The constitution: The supreme law that sets out the operational structure of the state.
- Division of power: Montesquieu introduces three powers: legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Social State of Law
The state should address the gaps and inequalities generated by the system itself. It must ensure a minimum of social equality. The main function of the state is to promote social welfare.
Concept of Legitimacy
People obey the state for fear of punishment or because they think it is their duty. Legitimate power coincides with justification.
Forms of Legitimacy
Traditional: Power is legitimized by tradition. Charismatic: Power is legitimized by the standing of charismatic leaders. Rational-Legal: Power is legitimized by law.
Democracy
From the Greek demos (people) and krateo (send), meaning government by the people. Democracy is based on freedom and equality.
The First Athenian Democracy: Citizens were actively involved in policy and could make public decisions.
Democracy Today: Representative democracies, where the rulers are elected by the citizens.
Features of Democracy:
- Universal suffrage
- Party system
- Constitutional guarantees
- Division of power
- Respect for individual liberties