How is the state formed and what are its functions: a brief overview of the main theories

The problems of the formation and development of the state worry philosophers more than one millennium. For the first time this question was raised in ancient Greece, when the Greek polis system was at the peak of its power.

How is the state formed and what are its functions?

In world political science, there are several basic theories that explain the need for the emergence of the state. Leaving aside the apparently outdated paternalistic, theological and patriarchal, it is worth concentrating on theories that are relevant today.

These include:

• Sociological;
• Forcible;
• Natural and legal.

Most of the theories explaining how the state is formed and what its functions are, is based on the fact that at a certain level of development society has a need for professional administration.

The basic theories of origin

Differences pass according to the conditions under which this administration is carried out. Sociological theories proceed from a contract within the society that its representatives are ready to give up part of their rights and limit the use of violence towards each other, delegating this right to the ruling class.

Violent theory, especially popular in the XlX century, involves unauthorized seizure of power by the strongest members of the community and the establishment of total control over its members.

The natural-legal theory, of which Hobbes was a staunch supporter, proceeds from the premise that the society of primitive people was in the state of uncontrollable chaos and the war of all against all. In such a situation, he believes, it was natural to stop the struggle and renounce one-sided interests.

The territory of the state is the main sign of its solvency

Whatever theory any attempt to explain the emergence of the state, any of them implies the mandatory presence of controlled territory, even the smallest. After all, we learn about how the state is formed and what its functions are, including, thanks to the material culture of mankind, which is preserved in certain territories.

In modern society, however, there is a consensus that personal interests are more important than state interests and the very phrase "state interests" provokes irritation in Western democratic societies. In this case, the main functions of the state are to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, their lives, property and health. All branches of state power should work together, but also balance each other. This is how the environment is most comfortable for citizens to exercise their rights and freedoms.

Understanding how the state is formed and what its functions are, is necessary, including, in order to better form the institutions of governance in modern society.