THEORIES ON THE ORIGIN OF STATE

Prepared by: TJ Marie Figueroa Ma. Risa Joy A. Auro

BSN 3-C

How did states and governments come into being?

Origins of the State

Four theories: Divine Right Necessity or Force Theory Paternalistic Theory Social Contract Theory

DIVINE RIGHT THEORY

Attributes to the aid of divine creation in the formation of a state with a ruler clothed and ordained by God. Belief that kings are chosen by a deity to rule the state
Ancient examples include Egyptians and Aztecs

15th Century Europe, the belief is used by royalty as the justification for absolute rule To question the king was not only treason but seen as a sin against God

NECESSITY or FORCE Theory

Formation of a state was a result of mens desire for common protection by a stronger, power, and influential ruler People are brought under the control of some authority States emerged from the conquest of other families or tribes

PATERNALISTIC or PATRIARCHAL THEORY

Decrees the origin of states from the growth and sustained existence of the family under a father-like control and leadership Gradual expansion of family aka Kinship Theory or the Sociological Theory of the origin of the state

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

State is not a divine institution rather, it is an artificial institution made by men and it is the outcome of a social contract

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

Main supporters of theory:
Thomas Hobbes John Locke Jean Jacques Rousseau 1. Before the birth of state, people lived in a society which they designated as the State of Nature 2. Inhabitants of the State of Nature brought the state into existence through contract

Hobbes ~ Social Contract

State of nature- every man is the enemy of every man People entered into a contract among themselves and established the state People surrendered all their rights unconditionally to the ruler who was not a party to the contract but became sovereign as a result of it

Locke ~ Social Contract

State of nature-could live happily, enjoying Natural Rights and obeying Natural Laws Locke believed that if the government fails to provide people with security or if the state abused its power over the people the people could change the government.

J.J. Rousseau
State of nature-simple, free and happy earthly paradise In order to get rid of chaotic conditions of the State of Nature, they made a contract and created the State Individuals surrendered all their rights to society of which everyone of them was a partner

SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY

Value of the Theory 1. Able to eliminate the idea that state is a divine institution and to establish a fact that it is a human organization. 2. Served as an antidote to absolute monarchy. 3. Asserted the values of rights and liberty.