Liberal view point about the state This theory

Liberal view point about the state This theory become popular in 16 th century against the absolutism of the state, arbitrariness of feudals, and strict control of church over the life of the individuals and it stood as guardian of the liberty of the individuals. The main objective of this theory was to liberate the individuals from all type of control and to remove each obstacle which comes in the way of his progress.

Main ideas of the liberalists about the nature of the state n n n State is man made institution Distinction between state and society State is a necessary evil State is an association like other associations State is not an end but a means Limited sphere of state activity State is the protector of rights State serves common interest Supporters of democratic government Allegiance of the citizens towards the state Will not force is the basis of the state Pluralist nature of the state

Criticism of liberal view point n n n n Lack of consistency State is not a man made institution State is not a association like other associations Functions of the state can not be limited State is the source of rights Criticism by Marxists State is not an artificial institution State is not an evil

Marxist view point about state According to Marxist-: 1. There are two classes namely of the ruler and ruled, the rich and the poor and the feudal lords and the workers. 2. There is a mutual contradiction between the interest of these two class tin the state. 3. State is the out come of class struggle. 4. The state safeguards the interests of the ruling class

Forms of the State According to Marxist believe in the changing nature of state. According to them there are three forms of state 1. Nature of the bourgeoisie 2. Nature of the proletarian state 3. The nature of the stateless society or socialist society

Nature of the bourgeoisie n n n Class character of the state Repressive and coercive character of the state Class antagonism can not be reconciled Democracy in a bourgeois state is an eye wash Capitalist state can be abolished only through revolutionary means

Nature of the proletarian state n n n Abolition of privileges Faith in socialism To establish legislature for law making No freedom of speech and to criticise the government Violence and suppression Economic policies

The nature of the stateless society or socialist society n n n It shall be classless and stateless Pay according to need Voluntary associations

Marxist view of nature of the state n n n State is a class organization State is not a natural and ethical institution Class antagonism responsible for the origin of state State is the result of evolutionary process State protects the interest of ruling class State is an artificial institution

n n n State is a mean State can not create unity and harmony in society Force is the basis of the state Welfare state is a means to save the capitalistic order State is a temporary institution and it shall wither away

Criticism of Marxists view point n n n State is not the product of class struggle alone State can not promote the interests of one particular class alone State is not an artificial institution Stateless society is not possible Marxist vision of new society is not real

n n n Abolition of capitalist classes has given birth to new ruling class State is not an institution of exploitation rather a mean of public welfare The basis of state are not economic force only Force is not the basis of the state The state has not withered away

Comparative study of liberal and Marxist view point n n • • • Difference about the origin of the state Difference about the existence of the state Difference about the purpose of the state Difference about the Future of the state Difference about the role of the state Difference about their means Liberal are idealist, Marxists are scientific

Conclusion Although the Marxist and the liberalists exhibit marked differences of opinion in various aspects of the state, yet under the present complex environments they are coming closer to each other. In this connection it is said that marxism is becoming liberal and liberalism is becoming radical.

References n n n n Aggarwal R. C. , Principles of Political Science, S. Chand Company, New Delhi, 1976. Badyal, J. S, Political Theory, Raj Publishers, 2012, Jalander. Garner James Wildford, Political Science and Government, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1951. Gauba O. P, An Introduction to Political Theory, Macmillan Publisher, Delhi, 2009. Heywood Andrew, Political Theory An Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, New Yeork, 2005. Misra K. K & Iyengar Kalpana. M, Modern Political Theory, S. Chand Company, New Delhi, 1988. Ray Amal, Political Theory Idess and Institutions, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1988 Johari J. C, Principles of Modern Political Science, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 1989.

n n By Dr. AMANDIP KAUR DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, PGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARH