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Marx and Weber - Theories of the state
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| Submitted: Thu Jan 13 2005
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There have been a number of rival theories of the state offered throughout history, according to Marshall (1998) "The state is a distinct set of institutions that has the authority to make the rules which govern society" (p.635). However, Marx and Weber had their own theories and this essay aims to critically compare their theories on the role of the state in capitalist society. The state refers to all the institutions, agencies and agents that operate within a given territorial space, have legitimate power and authority over its citizens and can utilise force as the ultimate sanction if we fail to accept its laws and orders. This characteristic of the state as the sole legitimate user of force is a common theme among theorists and academics. In addition to the possession of the power and authority to employ violence legitimately, the state can be characterised as consisting of a number...
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