Functions of state

As defined earlier, state refers to the political institution possessing monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force. State is not the same thing as government or regime. The term government is used for the set of persons who exercise power; and the term regime is used for the principles according to which society’s political life is conducted (Box 19.1). State has several functions. Most important of all, state determines the priorities of the future. The political leaders represent the collective interest of the people and from that perspective articulate and promote the values of people. In cases of conflicts they are supposed to build a consensual framework for conflict resolution. They steer the state comprising of legislation, administration, police and judiciary. Political leaders are also expected to set standards of behavior for all sections of governance. They clarify the concept of justice and work in the interest of all. Further, state has legitimate ownership of public resources. State has the right to collect taxes, generate resources and distribute them to satisfy the needs of different regions and groups of people. Using the structuration principle we can say that state is a type of agency that has tremendous control of normative, political and financial resources to shape the processes of adaptation, integration and growth. Thus if we look for ways of promotion of human happiness in any society, we cannot ignore the institution of state. State cannot make each and everyone happy but it can create conditions in which people are in a position to live a healthy and happy life, free from violence, injustice and exploitation.