Assignment on:
STATE: ITS ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
Submitted by: ____________________
Roll No.: _________________________
Course: Political Science (1st Semester)
STATE: ITS ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT (1200
WORDS)
Introduction
The state is the most important political institution created to regulate human relations, maintain law
and order, protect rights, and ensure welfare. Although the modern state appears natural today, its
evolution has taken thousands of years. This assignment explains the meaning, origin, and
development of the state in about 1200 words in a simple and clear manner.
Meaning of the State
The term “state” comes from the Latin word status, meaning condition or stability. In political
science, the state is a community of people living permanently in a definite territory under an
organized government and possessing sovereignty. Government is only a part of the state, not the
whole. Society is broader, and the nation refers to cultural identity. The state is a political institution
with authority and the power to enforce laws.
Essential Elements of the State
1. Population: A group of people forms the human base of the state. There is no fixed number.
2. Territory: A definite geographical area with recognized boundaries.
3. Government: The machinery through which the state makes and enforces laws.
4. Sovereignty: The supreme power of the state to make decisions without external interference.
Without any of these four elements, the state cannot exist.
THEORIES OF THE ORIGIN OF THE STATE
1. Divine Origin Theory
This is one of the oldest explanations. It states that the state was created by God and rulers were
His representatives. Kings were believed to rule by divine command. Disobedience to the king was
equal to disobedience to God. This theory justified monarchy in ancient Egypt, medieval Europe,
and many Asian kingdoms. Although outdated, it influenced political systems for centuries.
2. Social Contract Theory
This highly influential theory says that early humans lived in a “state of nature” without laws or
authority. To escape insecurity, they created a state through a contract.
• Thomas Hobbes: Life in nature was “nasty and short.” People surrendered rights to an absolute
ruler (Leviathan) for protection.
• John Locke: The state of nature was peaceful but lacked security. People formed a state to protect
natural rights—life, liberty, and property. Government can be removed if it violates rights.
• Rousseau: Human beings were originally free and equal. Private property created inequality, so
people created a state to express the “general will.”
This theory laid foundations for modern democracy, constitutional government, and popular
sovereignty.
3. Force Theory
According to this theory, the state originated through force and conquest. Stronger tribes or
individuals defeated weaker groups and established authority. Many ancient empires such as
Roman, Mongol, and various colonial powers expanded through force. However, the theory ignores
peaceful and cooperative aspects of human society.
4. Evolutionary (Historical) Theory
This widely accepted theory argues that the state
did not appear suddenly. It developed gradually
through social evolution:
Family → Clan → Tribe → Village Community → State
As population increased, economic life became complex and leadership structures evolved. The
state emerged naturally from social, economic, and political needs. This theory is supported by
historical and anthropological evidence.
5. Marxist Theory
Karl Marx argued that the state emerged to protect the economic interests of the ruling class. In
different historical stages—slave society, feudal society, capitalist society—the state served the
economically dominant class. According to Marx, once a classless, communist society is
established, the state will “wither away.” This theory highlights the role of economic forces and class
struggle.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE
1. Ancient States
The earliest states arose in river valley civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, and
China. These states were monarchic and the king often combined political and religious authority.
Society was hierarchical. Greek city-states like Athens introduced democracy and political
participation. Ancient Indian texts like Arthashastra discussed statecraft, diplomacy, justice, and
administration.
2. Medieval States
During the medieval period, feudalism shaped political structures, especially in Europe. Kings
shared power with nobles, knights, and religious authorities. Authority was decentralized. In India,
the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire created centralized administration, tax systems, and
organized armies. Religion played an important role.
3. Modern State
The modern state began to emerge after the 16th
century due to:
• Decline of feudalism
• Rise of commerce
• Renaissance and Reformation
• Growth of nationalism
• Peace of Westphalia (1648)
Key features of the modern state:
• Sovereignty as a defining principle
• Strong bureaucratic administration
• Rule of law and constitutionalism
• Nation-state identity
• Representative democracy
• Expansion of state functions—education, health, welfare, development
In the 20th century, welfare states emerged, taking responsibility for social justice, poverty
reduction, and public services.
THE CONTEMPORARY STATE
1. Globalization
States are interconnected economically, culturally, and politically. Sovereignty remains, but
cooperation is essential.
2. Technology
Digital governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and social media influence state operations.
3. Human Rights
Modern states are evaluated on protection of rights and freedoms.
4. Environmental Concerns
Climate change and sustainable development require global coordination.
5. Economic Interdependence
No state can survive in isolation; trade and international institutions play major roles.
Conclusion
The state is a dynamic institution shaped by social, economic, and cultural changes. Its origin has
been explained by various theories such as divine, social contract, force, evolutionary, and Marxist.
The state evolved from ancient monarchies to medieval feudal states and later to modern
democratic nation-states. Today it continues to change due to globalization and technology.
Understanding its origin and development is essential for political science students.
