Introduction
A state is defined as an opinionated alliance with effectual autonomy over a geographic area and in lieu of people with varied ethnic and political beliefs, values, and norms in the modern world there are different government systems, which are either states or sub-national states. For a country to function well there must be same practice of exercising any continuous authority over one’s subject. This can only be achieved when there is a good system of government. There has been a lot of transformation in these systems ranging from the traditional dynasties to the current statehoods. (Global Policy Forum 2009) The scientific and agrarian revolution led to the development of powerful wealthy individuals with a massive economic influence, this consequently propagated into centrally established powerhouses. As time matured there was a gradual expansion in new methods of protection, and the communities developed into big and powerful monarchs that still exist in some parts of the world. (Paige1978)The modern statehood bears the following features:
Controlling economic unit
Most of modern states are characterized by their ability to control a considerable share in the revenues generated internally. At the moment it is not easy to exert an influence without economic power, this why it’s important to have some good financial policies running through a government system. This can only be achieved through a centralized taxation. In states and governments that ideally exist taxation is a common element. A state can therefore exercise its own independence and autonomy without any influence. (Soviet Union 1989)
Territorial boundary
The modern state must have not only an existing boundary but also good citizens who are actually registered as opposed to the Greek city states that granted citizenship rights to their free population, people with such will to drive it to achieve its purpose. There must be a geographical boundary separating it from other states. This is important in limiting and restricting the execution of authority. We have referred to the state as a governing and supporting institution that possesses power over a definite territory and a population. (Mark 2001)
Most current states have their own territories examples include the United States of America that is found in northern America. In the recent past we had countries fighting each other over territorial boundaries.eg the Israel and the Palestine’s fighting over the river Y. it may have been perceived differently on politics as well as economic reasons. Boundaries are always seen as political this is because of the roles that they are playing in separating one territory from the other. (Naguib 2003)
Modern structures
In the cotemporary society the environment in which states is operating is complete with rigidity, bureaucracies, tight control and chain of command. It’s actually difficult to influence and initiate a change without consultations. Government procedures are so numerous that it may be confusing. This is the true picture in most of our legislative systems. While the traditional dynasties were informal and that the source of power could be religious or effective military as was in the case of the Roman Empire, the current state has become so conspicuous in formality. Even though bureaucracy is widely associated with so many reporting points its outstanding advantage is that it provides ease of control. This is the major reason behind its dominance in the state structures. Administration of the armed forces and the countries’ civil service becomes easier. (Hwang 2007)
Democracy
The world is slowly transforming from dictatorship to democracy. This was highly demonstrated by the Americans when they first voted a black American to occupy the white house. This clearly manifests how democracy is gaining pace into the global world. We also witnessed this in Ghana, though not in all African countries. There are some African countries where democracy is till a dream like Zimbabwe, Congo ands some countries in East Africa. Big and war tone zones in the world’s political arena should now identify which side of the world they belong to. The definition of democracy is wide and may mean a situation where individuals are free to express their opinion without fear of victimization. So to some extent its logic to argue that some states in the world are becoming victims of democracy. (THIRD WORLD TRAVELER 1999)
In the olden days the government administration was characterized by bureaucracy mediocre but currently things have changed and we are now witnessing changes in all sectors of these government. It’s now very difficult to be static. Countries are looking for efficiencies and effectiveness in every policy that they implement, with the greater requirement of information to make strategic policies in the civil sectors no one would want to risk being left behind. There is now an agent need to disperse the information to the lowest level to every individual for better governance and accountability. This was not possible during the era of traditional governments. (Mutebi 2004)
People’s needs and legitimacy
The need of any state is to provide the common good to the local individuals. How ever in the recent past there is has been a mismatch between the people’s needs and what they get from the state. There are some states which of late have become under fierce criticism by the international communities for allegedly propagating corruption and unfair practices in their systems. Individuals have always complained but no action is taken. (Wainwright H 2009) A legitimate state is one that uses its constitutionally created laws to exercise its authority over its citizens. But if the state laws are not followed in dealing with the civil as well as criminal matters it will be illegitimate to do so In the olden days there were no constitutions to govern the people but there were by laws and case laws that were used by every body especially in the U.K. though they were inadequate but were fairly used to solve cases. During this period it was difficult to have a centralized authority due to the existence of extended tribe bands. (Marcoberti 2009)
Conclusion
Modern states are characterized by tight bureaucracy. This is viewed as providing ease of control and to most government structures. The traditional states were instrumental in controlling and exercising authority to their territories without any discrepancies due to good and well organized army or the divine power originating form religious leaders like the former Egyptian Pharaoh. In order for people to understand the government there should be a system of communicating the state policies to the local individuals.
Work cited
Global Policy Forum 2009.What is a state.
Hwang K 2007, Nation, state and the modern Transformation of Korean social structure in the early Twentieth century. Web.
Marcoberti N 2009, Libertarianism and the possibility of the legitimate state. Web.
Mark, Z 2001.The Territory Integrity Norm: International Boundaries and the use of force. Web.
Mutebi M 2004, Muddling through past legacies, myanmars civil bureaucracy and the need for reform. Web.
Naguib, M, et al 2003, Effects of territorial intrusions on eavesdropping neighbors.
Paige M 1978, Agrarian Revolution.
Soviet Union 1989. ECONOMIC PLANNING AND CONTROL.
THIRD WORLD TRAVELER 1999, The WTO’S Slow Motion Coup Against Democracy.
Wainwright H 2009, The common the state and transformative politics.