A government is an institution that makes and enforces public policies through legislative, executive, and judicial powers in order to maintain order in society. A state is a body of people living in a defined territory that is politically organized and able to make laws without consent from a higher authority. There are four theories on the origins of the state: evolutionary theory where governments evolved from family structures; force theory where strength determines rule; divine right theory where power comes from God; and social contract theory where power comes from agreement between the ruler and the people.

1. Government and the State Chapter 1 sec 1

15. Force Theory

18. A Social Contract