Kc Hershey L.

Lor BSA32KB1

Four theories explaining the origin of the state.

1. The Divine Right Theory – This theory holds that God created the state and chose individuals to be given
a “royal birth” and therefore the “divine right to rule”. Since God divinely ordained its rulers and they
were accountable to God, the population obeyed the ruler as they were required to obey God. Opposition
to the ruler is both treason and a moral sin.

2. The Force Theory – This theory proposes that the origin of state is developed through the use of force .
It is based upon the idea that one person or a small group controls an area and forced everyone within
that area to submit to their rule. Once the rule is well established the state is established. This theory is
generally a result of war. One

3. The Social Contract Theory – The state has power and authority over the territory. A specific population
within a given designated area gave up as much power to a government as needed to promote the well -
being of all. Specifically, the community population and the leader have a contract. It ensures the safety
and security of people in the community and that their rights are being protected.

4. Paternalistic Theory – It is one which states that the state comes from the expansion of family, under the
authority of the father. Family grew into a clan, then developed into tribe which broadened into a nation, and a
nation became a state. Here, the government’s role and justification is by way of being a method of caring
for and ensuring good conduct by the people within its jurisdiction. The government is figuratively like
a father.

References:

 http://philgovernment.blogspot.com/2009/10/origin-of-state.html
 https://www.coursehero.com/file/p29agco/Paternalistic-Theory-It-attributes-the-origin-of-states-to-the-
enlargement-of/
 http://classroom.synonym.com/four-widely-held-theories-attempt-explain-origin-state-20423.html
 https://www.slideshare.net/tine13hart/the-4-theories-of-government