Evolution of Citizenship and State: From Locke to Modern Democracies
1 U.S. Locke and the Dawn of Modern Citizenship
Locke’s ideas resonated in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, despite the former colony revolting and the British losing their empire. This Constitution, along with the French Revolution, embraced the concept of citizenship. Key steps included the suppression of class privileges and the recognition of two fundamental rights:
- Political Rights: The citizen’s right to participate in community decisions.
- Civil Rights: The protections enjoyed by every citizen.
Civil citizenship consists of legal rights and individual liberties. Political citizenship involves political participation, including voting. Social citizenship encompasses social rights, forming the basis of the welfare state, where the state guarantees social protection.
2 The State and its Evolution
The Modern State
The modern state, a sovereign entity, emerged in the 16th century. Its key characteristics include:
- A defined territory with borders, where all individuals are subject to its laws.
- An administrative and legal structure providing essential services.
- A monopoly on legitimate violence to enforce laws and maintain order.
Contractualism
During the 17th and 18th centuries, philosophers explored the concept of the social contract. Thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau posited that the state’s legitimacy stems from an agreement among citizens. They distinguished between:
- State of Nature: A pre-social state without established governance.
- Social State: An organized society based on a pact or agreement.
Liberalism
Liberalism, emerging in 18th-century England, opposed tyrannical power and championed individual liberties. Key figures like John Locke and Montesquieu emphasized:
- Locke’s inalienable rights: life, liberty, and property.
- Protection of citizen rights and control of government action through legal means and the separation of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial – Montesquieu).
Socialism and Social Democracy
Socialism, influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, emphasizes democracy and the collective good. It advocates for the collectivization of production means. Social democracy integrates liberal principles with social welfare, accepting private property while emphasizing social needs and protections.
The Rule of Law State
A Rule of Law State (Estado de Derecho) is governed by laws, recognizing and guaranteeing citizens’ rights and freedoms. Key pillars include:
- Separation of powers, a liberal tradition enshrined in constitutions.
- Constitutions defining citizens’ rights, freedoms, and political institutions.
The Totalitarian State
Totalitarianism, exemplified by Nazi Germany and the USSR, features:
- A single-party system replacing pluralistic democracies.
- A dominant ideology and strict social control through various means, including education and propaganda.
Models of Democracy
Democracy signifies rule by the people. Key definitions include:
- Citizens governing themselves, upholding institutions and rights.
- Governments accountable to the governed, often through elections.
- A system minimizing the potential for abuse of power.
Two main models exist:
- Direct Democracy
- Representative Democracy
(1) [Absolute Monarchy and Tyranny] Societies where a single person, a tyrant or monarch, rules above all others. In tyranny, active support from all individuals is required.