• Unit 4: The State

    In this unit, we will look at the state, a relatively new creation. What is a state? What is the difference between a nation and a state? Are states sovereign? Who controls the state? What is the role of the state? Do states have a future? These are the types of questions that will be explored in this unit.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

      • discuss the concept of a "state";
      • compare and contrast state, nation, and nation-state;
      • describe the origins of the nation-state;
      • explain the functions of the state;
      • assess the future of the state as a political institution; and
      • define and explain the concepts of sovereignty and globalization in relation to the state.

    • 4.1: What is a State?

      • Functions of the State Page

        One of the key defining features of a state is the concept of "sovereignty". States are sovereign if they are not dependent on or subject to the power of any other state. As we will learn in Unit 6, this characteristic of a state was established in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia and is especially critical when discussing international relations.

      • Characteristics of the State Page

        This page defines some important terms in political science. After you read, you should be able to explain the concepts of states, sovereignty, nations, and civil society.

      • Nation-States URL

        Read the introductory paragraphs and the section on definitions. In everyday life, people usually use the words "state" and "nation" interchangeably, but in political science, those terms have very different meanings. States are political entities; nations are cultural entities. A nation-state exists when state and nation coincide. What do you think happens when there is a mismatch between state and nation?

    • 4.2: Origins of the State

      • State Formation Page

        This article compares competing theories of state formation. Some propose that the institution of the state stemmed from developments in agriculture, was a response to the frequent waging of war or came as a result of rationalization and bureaucratization. Which theory do you find most convincing?

      • Constitutional Government Page

        Watch these lectures, which discuss Enlightenment thinker John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government. This extremely influential work shaped political philosophy and provided a basis for later political doctrines, such as those set forth in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

    • 4.3: The Future of the State

      • Globalization and Culture: The Three H Scenarios File

        This article describes globalization as the increasing flows of "people, financial resources, goods, information, and culture". As you read, consider these questions:

        • How does globalization represent a threat "from above" to the traditional institution of the nation-state?
        • Does the growing influence of multilateral agencies and global governance erode state power? Why or why not?
        • What do you think are the cultural implications of globalization? How will this impact the power of the nation-state? 

    • Unit 4 Assessment

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.