Question

Write an essay on evolutionary theory of origin of state.

Answer 1

The correct explanation of origin of state is done by the evolutionary theory. This theory is based on psychological, historical and sociological evidences. According to it, the state is neither an artificial institution, nor of a divine origin. This is a combined form of many factors, such as blood relation, religion, power, political awareness, economic activities, social life etc.

In this way, the state is developed for the sake of interests of all. According to this theory, the development process of the state has been going on since primitive period. Because of this continuous development, the state has acquired a form of nation state.

According to the, political thinker, Burgess, “A state is a continuous development of human society, beginning of which was in an incomplete and distorted form.” According to Leacock, “The origin of the state has been on the basis of continuous development of the state, wherein there are natural social nature, political awareness, blood relation religion, power and economical necessities, etc”.

1. Natural Social Nature: 

The state is the result of basic natural social nature of a human being. Aristotle regards a person as social in natural form, and he says that a person can live outside the society if he is either God or an animal. The state came into existence for security of human life and it is meant for good life.

By this, it is clear that the state is a natural institution and it is the result of social nature of an individual. In general, a human being cannot live without state and society. With the development of civilization, social spirit got consolidated and its caused the development of social awareness. Simultaneously, there followed the development of political institutions and the state.

2. Blood Relation: 

In primitive time, blood relation triggered the emotions of unity and organization. According to Henriman, ‘The modern research of the ancient history of the society indicates that the initial element to bind the people in a thread of unity was blood relation”. Maclver writes that “Blood relation gives birth to the society, and then the society gives birth to the state.” 

3. Religion: 

Like blood relation, religion has also played an important role in the development of the state. Blood relation and the state are two side of the same coin. According to Wilson, “In early society, religion and blood relation were the expression of unity”. According to Gettel, “Blood relation and religion are two sides of the same coin.” In the primitive time, religion infused the spirit of respect, obedience and morality in place of savage instinct in the people. In primitive period, another form of religion was the worship of deity.

The people started worshipping the things, which were beyond their understanding and this resulted in a source to bind the people in unity. The relation between the state and the religion existed since primitive time. Even today, we witness a deep relation between religion and politics in many countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, etc.

4. Force (Power): 

In the evolution of state, the contribution of force has been enormous. War was the means to give practical form to power. The war gave birth to the king. It is a basic human tendency that he wants to rule over others. In the course of the develcj. mmi of the state, agriculture, property and wealth also progressed and this lead to war for their safety. The people started to accept powerful person as their leader. Because of power, there emerged a sense of obeisance and devotion towards the rvi:r. The people’s support made the king stronger, and thus, state was developed.

5. Ecoanomic Necessities : 

In the origin and the development of the state, there was as important role of people’s necessities. “Property grew by economic activities, by which people gained basic amenities such as food, house, etc. and afterwards, the origin of the state became indispensable for the security of property. “Only the state can manage the economic system of the society, and as such, people’s requirements are fulfilled”.

6. Political Awareness : 

Besides religion, blood, relation and social awareness, the role of political awareness is the most important in the development of the state. By political awareness, certain definite political goals have been gained. On account of population increase, and for safety to the people and their property, there was felt a necessity to form a political organization and set of rules and laws by which entire system could be governed properly. Though in the beginning, the form of political organizations and laws was not clear and mature, yet it played a decisive role in the development of the state.

Answer 2

Introduction

The origin and development of the state is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has intrigued scholars and thinkers for centuries. The evolutionary theory of the origin of the state posits that the state emerged through a gradual process of social and political evolution. This essay will delve into the evolutionary theory, exploring the key ideas and stages that shaped the development of the state.

I. Pre-State Societies

In the pre-state era, humans lived in small, nomadic groups. These groups were characterized by simple, egalitarian social structures, where decisions were often made collectively, and there was minimal differentiation of power or authority. The basic units of these societies were kinship-based, with individuals primarily being part of familial or tribal groups.

II. Development of Agricultural Societies

The advent of agriculture around 10,000 BCE marked a significant turning point in human history. Agriculture allowed for the surplus production of food, enabling population growth and the establishment of permanent settlements. With settled communities, there emerged a need for organizing and coordinating activities, such as irrigation projects and trade, which gave rise to the emergence of rudimentary forms of governance and leadership.

III. Emergence of Hierarchy and Authority

As societies became more complex, social hierarchies began to form. Some individuals started to acquire more resources, power, and influence within the community. This shift was often driven by factors such as resource control, technological advancements, and the need for defense against external threats. Leaders and decision-makers emerged, initially in a customary or religious capacity, and later, as central figures in the governance of the community.

IV. Centralization of Power and the Birth of the State

Over time, certain individuals or groups consolidated power and established formalized institutions to govern and regulate society. These early states were often characterized by a centralized authority, codified laws, and administrative systems. The state's functions expanded to include maintaining order, collecting taxes, organizing defense, and facilitating trade and commerce.

V. State Formation and Social Contract

The evolutionary theory suggests that the state's formation was a result of a social contract among individuals within a society. People willingly ceded some of their individual liberties and powers to a central authority in exchange for protection, order, and the advancement of collective interests. This contract aimed to ensure the well-being and stability of the community as a whole.

VI. Continuous Evolution of the State

The evolutionary process did not end with the formation of the state. States have continued to evolve, adapt, and transform over time, influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, changes in economic systems, cultural shifts, and external interactions with other states. This ongoing evolution has led to different forms of governance and varying degrees of centralization and decentralization of power.

Conclusion

The evolutionary theory of the origin of the state posits that the state emerged as a result of a gradual and complex societal evolution. From early kinship-based groups to agricultural societies and eventually to states, the process involved the centralization of power and the establishment of formalized governance structures. The state's formation was influenced by the need for order, resource management, and collective security. Over time, the state has continued to adapt and transform, shaping the diverse array of political systems and governments observed in the world today.