State and Government
Many a time, the terms ‘state’ and ‘government’ are synonymously used. But
there are fundamental differences between these two. A state is a complete and
permanent institution. It possesses sovereignty or absolute power. Government
is one of the four elements (population, territory, government and
sovereignty) of a state. Although all states are formed with the same
elements, all states and governments are not the same. With the change of
time, the nature of government and state may also change.
Forms of State
There are different forms of states in the world. In the following, various
forms of state are given below:
1) Based on economy
- Capitalist State
- Socialist State
2) Based on Inheritance Formula
- Monarchy
- Constitutional Monarchy
- Absolute Monarchy
3) Based on source of power
- Democratic State
- Dictatorial State
4) Based on Aims
- Welfare State
5) Based on the principle of distribution of power
- Unitary State
- Federal State
State based on Economic System
Based on economic system, states are classified into capitalist and socialist
states.
Capitalist State: In the capitalist state, private ownership of
property is recognized. In this form of state, capital, labour and management
are vested in private ownership. The government does not have control over
these factors. The production and supply system is administered by open
competition. In this form of state, citizens are free to own assets and
consume them. Most of the states in the present world are capitalist.
Socialist State: Socialist states are the states which do not recognize
private ownership of property. In this kind of state, means of production are
owned by the states. Steps are for the management of production and
distribution under the state’s supervision. This is opposed to capitalism.
Socialism does not recognize individualism. There exists only one party in
this type of state. The state controls the mass media. There is no opportunity
for the expression of opposition views. For example, China and Cuba are
socialist states.
State based on the Source of Power
Based on power, states are classified into two – democratic and dictatorial
states.
Democratic State: In a democratic state, the power to rule is vested in
all members of the state or the hands of the people. People participate in
this form of governance, and they form this government. This is a form of
governance that is run for the welfare of the people by direct participation
of the people. In a democratic state, people enjoy the right to express an
opinion and to criticize the government. In this form of state, the government
is changed through elections held in a constitutional way. In a democratic
state, there is more than one political party. This form of governance
ensures interests for all and recognizes citizens, rights and the rule of law.
Bangladesh, India, the United States, UK, etc. are democratic states.
Dictatorial State System: Dictatorship is an arbitrary system of
governance. In this form of state, the power of government lies not in the
hands of the people but an arbitrary ruler. Here, the leader possesses all
powers. He is said to be a director. The dictatorial rule is assisted by
ministers or advisors. But they abide by the orders of the ruler. The
dictator’s orders are laws. In this system, rulers are accountable to none.
Only one political party exists. The chief of the party holds the position of
the head of the government. The party is run according to his wish and the
party comprises of his blind followers.
