A state is a set of institutions that possess the power to make the rules that govern the people in one or more societies, having internal and external sovereignty over a definite territory. Following Max Weber's influential definition, a state has a 'monopoly on legitimate violence'. Hence the state includes such institutions as the armed forces, civil service or state bureaucracy, courts, and police. For theorists of international relations, recognition of the state's claim to independence by other states, enabling it to enter into international engagements, is key to the establishment of its sovereignty.

Although the term often refers broadly to all institutions of government or rule—ancient and modern—the modern state system bears a number of characteristics that were first consolidated in western Europe, beginning in earnest in the 15th century.

In the late 20th century, the globalization of the world economy, the mobility of people and capital, and the rise of many international institutions all combined to circumscribe the freedom of action of states. However, the state remains the basic political unit of the world, as it has been since the 16th century. The state is therefore considered the most central concept in the study of politics, and its definition is the subject of intense scholarly debate. Political sociologists in the tradition of both Karl Marx and Max Weber usually favor a broad definition that draws attention to the role of coercive apparatus.

More on [ State ]

By State - Twitter Search

Check this video out -- State St. Twin Towers by Travis http://bit.ly/xuAkD
Scriptorbosh (scriptor55) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:43:35 -0000
Check this video out -- State St. Twin Towers by Travis http://bit.ly/xuAkD
RT @leashless I genrly tell ppl intrsted in Thelema that its the state religion of StarFleet channeled by the Victorian Marilyn Manson| LOL!
julianpowell (Julian Powell) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:42:05 -0000
RT @leashless I genrly tell ppl intrsted in Thelema that its the state religion of StarFleet channeled by the Victorian Marilyn Manson| LOL!
@snouserman lol iowa has no1 u guys almost get beat by michigan state wow
cov24 (cov24) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:41:21 -0000
@snouserman lol iowa has no1 u guys almost get beat by michigan state wow
Everyone Support the LRA Bill by Calling/Emailing/writing to your state representatives. invisiblechildren.com
josscazares (Joss Cazares) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:37:43 -0000
Everyone Support the LRA Bill by Calling/Emailing/writing to your state representatives. invisiblechildren.com
Halloween mansion party! Hosted by: jermaine dupri,dallas austin, & the alphas from ga state! This will goin down in the books!
djincredible (Dj Incredible) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:36:23 -0000
Halloween mansion party! Hosted by: jermaine dupri,dallas austin, & the alphas from ga state! This will goin down in the books!
What Does The State Of Michigan Offer Single Mom’s To Help Them Get By? http://bit.ly/3m8woE
AnnuityPayments (Annuity Payments) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:31:20 -0000
What Does The State Of Michigan Offer Single Mom’s To Help Them Get By? http://bit.ly/3m8woE

Subscribe to By_State RSS feed