What is the state? I have been unable to find a clear definition of it. The term is used everywhere by everyone yet no one defines it. I understand the concept of the state but I would love to have a concise definition of it
Without looking it up, and going from memory, I believe Bastiat defined the state as that which allows one group of citizens to rob another group. I think the most common definition is that the state is the instrument that has the monopoly on the legitimate use of force.
Okay. But that’s not really a definition. What is this instrument made up of? People?
It’s obvious. It is not concrete, so in a sense the state is not exactly made of people.
However; it is an idea, an idea that claims the state to be a political community. And there is no community without people. So the state is more like the glue between people.
The “state” is a community which is bounded by a single legislative authority.
So you don’t have a definition?
Sorry - you caught me mid-think…
It’s obvious. It is not concrete, so in a sense the state is not exactly made of people.
However; it is an idea, an idea that claims the state to be a political community. And there is no community without people. So the state is more like the glue between people.
The “state” is a community which is bounded by a single legislative authority.