State & Democracy States and… Democracy is a political system whose leaders are elected in competitive multi-party and multi-candidate processes States and… State & Democracy

But, traditional ideas about the state and its role are disappearing due to the rise of organizations that have a huge effect on politics and daily life. So why are we still talking about states?! Democracy has many characteristics. There are people elected to government to represent our interests and protect our civil & economic rights. And let’s not forget welfare!

International Organizations NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations) Globalization: The growing interdependencies & interconnection of the world that reduces the autonomy of individual states and the importance of boundaries between them International Organizations NGO’s (Non-Governmental Organizations) MNC’s: Multi-national corporations

Intergovernmental Organization IGO established by treaty is a legal entity w/ int’l legal status - can enter into treaties probably has a legislative body (of gov’t representatives) may have a dispute resolution body may have an executive body (secretariat) Non-governmental Organization NGO Non-profit org. that are independent of gov’t but try to influence or control public policy w/o actually seeking gov’t office no international legal status non-governmental representatives may serve consultative role to IGOs some are very influential

The only sovereign body States can protect & provide for their populations Only states have resources to aid banks and corporations Only states can provide security for citizens in times of crisis So why study states?

States became democracies when opposition is recognized and general suffrage granted…this converts state subjects into citizens The Modern State and …

Political power is not the purpose… Political power is not the purpose….it is what can be done with that power Democracies prime concern is not power but the protection of human rights