The Evolution of the State and Government

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Introduction

The evolution of state refers to the various explanations concerning how government and the state came into existence. In political thought, scholars and philosophers have long attempted to explain the origin, nature and justification of political authority. These explanations emerged because human beings have always sought to understand why state exist, how rulers acquire legitimacy, and why citizens obey authority.

Government itself may be understood as the machinery through which the affairs of a state are managed and controlled. Since no society can survive permanently without order, organization, and leadership, different theories were developed to explain how government originated and why it remains indispensable to human society.

Over the centuries, political philosophers advanced several theories to explain the evolution of state. Among the most prominent are:

  1. Natural or Organic Theory
  2. Divine Theory
  3. Social Contract Theory
  4. Force Theory

Each of these theories presents a unique explanation concerning the origin and development of government.


1. Natural Theory or Organic Theory

The Natural Theory, also known as the Organic Theory, is associated mainly with the Greek philosophers Plato (427–347 BC) and Aristotle (384–322 BC). This theory maintains that government evolved naturally in the same manner as a living organism develops gradually over time. According to this perspective, government is not artificial or accidental; rather, it is a natural institution essential for human existence.


The theory compares the state to a living body made up of different parts working together for the survival of the whole. Just as the human body consists of organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs performing different functions, society also consists of individuals performing different roles for the stability of the state. In this sense, individuals are inseparable from the state because both depend on one another for survival and fulfillment.


Aristotle strongly defended this idea when he declared that “man is by nature a political animal.” By this, he meant that human beings naturally desire to live within an organized political community. According to him, any individual who lives outside the state is either “a beast or a god,” implying that normal human existence is impossible without political organization.


In his famous work, "The Republic", Plato explained that the state develops naturally from human needs such as food, shelter, security and cooperation. Since no individual is completely self-sufficient, people depend on one another for survival. This interdependence gradually leads to the formation of families, villages, and eventually the state.


According to Plato, justice and stability can only exist when each class performs its proper role without interfering in the functions of others. This idea strengthened the Organic Theory because it compared the state to a living organism in which every part contributes to the survival of the whole.


The Natural Theory further argues that government exists to help individuals attain moral, intellectual and physical perfection. The state is therefore viewed as a moral institution established to promote the good life. Government provides laws, order, security and social harmony, thereby enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.


For example, modern societies depend heavily on governmental institutions for education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and justice. Without these structures, society would descend into disorder and confusion. The theory therefore emphasizes the indispensability and naturalness of government.


Criticism of the Natural Theory

Despite its importance, the theory has been criticized for assuming that the state has always existed naturally without adequately explaining the historical processes through which governments actually emerged. Critics also argue that comparing the state to a biological organism is unrealistic because human beings possess independent will and consciousness unlike body organs.


2. Divine Theory

The Divine Theory is regarded as one of the oldest theories explaining the origin of state. This theory asserts that government is ordained by God and that rulers are divine representatives chosen to govern society on God’s behalf.

According to this theory, political authority comes directly from God rather than from the people. Consequently, obedience to government becomes a religious obligation. Any attempt to challenge or disobey the ruler is considered equivalent to disobeying God Himself.


This theory was particularly influential during the medieval period in Europe when monarchs claimed absolute authority. A prominent example was King James I of England and Scotland (1603–1625), who strongly defended the “Divine Right of Kings.” He maintained that kings derive their authority from God and are accountable only to Him.


Similarly, King Louis XIV of France famously declared, “I am the state,” (L'État, c'est moi") emphasizing the belief that the ruler embodied the authority and sovereignty of the state itself.

The Divine Theory emerged partly because early societies believed that supernatural powers controlled human affairs. Since God could not rule directly from heaven, rulers were viewed as His earthly representatives entrusted with maintaining order and stability in society.


The theory promoted political stability and obedience because citizens feared challenging rulers believed to possess divine authority. It also strengthened unity and centralized authority within kingdoms and empires.


Criticism of the Divine Theory

The theory has been widely criticized for encouraging dictatorship, tyranny and abuse of power. Since rulers claimed divine authority, they often governed without accountability or consultation with the people. Citizens had little or no opportunity to question oppressive leadership.


Furthermore, there is no empirical evidence proving that God directly appoints political leaders. Modern democratic principles reject the idea that rulers should govern solely by divine claim without popular consent.


3. Social Contract Theory

The Social Contract Theory is associated with philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), John Locke (1632–1704), and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778). Unlike the Divine Theory, this theory argues that state originated through a voluntary agreement among individuals.

According to the theory, before the emergence of government, human beings lived in what philosophers described as the “state of nature.” In this condition, there were no laws, organized authority, or established institutions to regulate human behavior.


Thomas Hobbes described the state of nature as extremely chaotic and dangerous. According to him, life in such a condition was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” Human beings constantly fought one another for survival because there was no authority to maintain peace and order.


To escape this condition, individuals collectively agreed to surrender some of their freedoms to a central authority known as government. This agreement became known as the social contract. However, the philosophers differed in their interpretations:


Thomas Hobbes

Hobbes believed that people established government mainly for security and protection. Since humans are naturally selfish and violent, he argued that a strong and absolute government was necessary to prevent anarchy.


John Locke

Locke presented a more liberal perspective. He believed that government exists primarily to protect natural rights such as life, liberty and property. According to him, any government that fails to protect these rights loses its legitimacy and can be overthrown by the people.

Locke’s ideas later influenced democratic revolutions such as the American Revolution and the development of constitutional democracy.


Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau argued that sovereignty belongs to the people collectively. His famous statement, “Man is born freely, but everywhere he is in chains,” reflected his belief that society and oppressive political systems restrict human freedom. He advocated popular sovereignty and emphasized that legitimate government must reflect the “general will” of the people.


The theory promotes democracy, constitutionalism, accountability and popular participation in government. It also emphasizes the protection of human rights and individual freedoms.


Criticism of the Social Contract Theory

Critics argue that there is no historical evidence showing that human beings ever gathered formally to create government through an actual contract. The theory is therefore viewed by some as hypothetical rather than historical.


4. Force Theory

The Force Theory argues that government originated through conquest, coercion and the use of force. According to this theory, stronger individuals or groups subdued weaker ones and established authority over them.


The theory maintains that political power is fundamentally rooted in military strength and domination. In many ancient societies, kingdoms and empires emerged through wars, invasions and territorial expansion.


For instance, colonial rule in Africa was largely established through military conquest and forceful domination by European powers. Similarly, the expansion of the United States involved the displacement and subjugation of Native American populations through warfare and coercion.


Supporters of this theory believe that no state was established entirely peacefully because force has always played a significant role in political development.


The theory realistically explains the violent origins of many historical states and empires. It highlights the importance of military power in political organization and territorial expansion.


Criticism of the Force Theory

The theory has been criticized for overemphasizing violence while ignoring other important factors such as cooperation, consent, morality and economic interaction in the development of government.


Furthermore, force alone cannot sustain government permanently. Stable governments require legitimacy, public support and effective institutions.


Conclusion

The evolution of state and government remains one of the most important subjects in political science because it explains the origin and necessity of political authority. Different theories have attempted to explain how government emerged, each reflecting particular historical realities and philosophical assumptions.


The Natural Theory views government as a natural institution necessary for human fulfillment. The Divine Theory attributes political authority to God, while the Social Contract Theory emphasizes agreement and consent among individuals. The Force Theory, on the other hand, explains government as a product of conquest and coercion.


Related articles

Subject Matter of Government: Meaning, Functions and Relevance

The Concept of Politics: Meaning, Definitions and Relationship with the Economy

THE MARXIAN THEORY OF POLITICAL ECONOMY AND SOCIAL CLASS ANALYSIS

Politics and Ethics: The Moral Challenges of Governance

SCIENCE OF POLITICS (POLITICS AS SCIENCE)

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