Module 3: Systems Of Political Thought From Antiquity To Pol

Module 3 Systems Of Political Thought From Antiquity To Political Lib

Module 3: Systems of Political Thought from Antiquity to Political Liberalism 1. Compare and contrast the concepts Nation and State. Include in your analysis the aspects that makes a person confuse them or define them as the same. Concept Similarities Differences Nation State 2. Define each of the following concepts in view of the content presented in the virtual class and in the study guide.

Concept Definition Nation Identity Culture Territory National Symbols Myths Ideologies 3. If a person obtains a visa to study at a university in a specific country and, at the end of his studies, he wants to get a job, what steps does he have to take to be able to stay and work? Can he stay working with his student visa? Explain. 4.

What does citizenship by decree, by birth mean? Explain 5. Visit the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization website and: a. Explore the requirements for the various visas and permits provided by the United States. List them in the table. b. Do the same with one European and one Asian state to compare the requirements with those of the United States. State Visa requirements U.S.A. European State Asian State Compare similarities and differences: Similarities Differences 6. Explain how Greek political thought contributed to the development of the concept of the Contemporary-State 7. Compare the reforms implemented by Solon, Clisthenes, and Pericles with the political reality of your country in the contemporary period. 8. List and explain the factors that contributed to the evolution of the feudal state into the Modern State 9. Create a comparative table with the most important characteristics of absolutism and liberalism. System Who governed?

Who had the greatest power? How was power allocated? Political absolutism Political liberalism 10. Explain the basic postulates of political liberalism.

Paper For Above instruction

The concepts of Nation and State are fundamental to understanding political organization, yet they are often confused or used interchangeably. The Nation primarily refers to a community of people sharing common elements such as culture, language, ethnicity, and history, creating a collective identity. It embodies the emotional and cultural bonds among a group and is often associated with a sense of belonging and shared heritage. Conversely, the State is a formal political and legal entity characterized by a defined territory, government sovereignty, and recognized authority that exercises control and governance over its population and resources (Anderson, 1983).

The key similarity between the Nation and the State is their intrinsic association with identity and territoriality. Both are constructs that define collective existence and borders. However, their primary difference lies in their scope and basis: Nations are primarily cultural or ethnic communities with a shared sense of identity, which may or may not correspond with political boundaries. States are political units with sovereignty, which may encompass multiple Nations or be homogenous.

Confusion often arises because Nations and States frequently overlap—most notably in cases where a Nation acts as or seeks to establish a State, such as national independence movements. Conversely, a State may govern multiple Nations within its borders, exemplified by multiethnic countries like India or Nigeria where political boundaries do not necessarily align with cultural groups (Hobsbawm & Ranger, 1983).

Key features to define in the concepts include:

- Nation: A group sharing common culture, language, ethnicity, and historical memory that fosters a collective identity.

- Identity: The sense of belonging and self-recognition within a community or Nation.

- Culture: The shared practices, beliefs, values, and symbols that define the community.

- Territory: The geographical area associated with the Nation or State.

- National Symbols: Emblems such as flags, anthems, or monuments representing the Nation.

- Myths: Narratives that express the values, origins, or historical memory of the Nation.

- Ideologies: Systems of beliefs that support or oppose different political or social arrangements.

Regarding immigration and legal integration, a person studying abroad on a student visa typically cannot automatically work or remain in the host country after studies without applying for a work permit or a different type of visa. For instance, in the U.S., students may seek Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program allowing temporary work related to their field of study (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 2023). Similar procedures exist in European and Asian countries, often requiring applications and meeting specific criteria, such as employer sponsorship or skill assessments.

Citizenship by decree refers to a legal process granted by a government to an individual under special circumstances, often bypassing the usual legal processes, as a form of executive or legislative decree. Citizenship by birth, also known as jus soli, is when citizenship is automatically conferred upon individuals born within a country's territory, regardless of their parents' nationality (Owen & Karas, 2012).

Exploring visa requirements reveals notable similarities and differences among countries (Department of Homeland Security, 2023). U.S. visas generally require sponsorship, documentation of purpose, and background checks. European states often emphasize language proficiency, integration plans, and economic stability. Asian countries may focus on investment levels, employment, or cultural compatibility. While all require documentation, the specifics differ markedly based on regional policies, sovereignty, and immigration goals.

Greek political thought significantly contributed to the concept of the Contemporary State through ideas of citizenship, democracy, and the rule of law. Classical Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle discussed the importance of civic participation and governance rooted in virtue and the collective good. Much of Western political philosophy derives from these foundational ideas, influencing modern notions of sovereignty, constitutional government, and civic rights (Rahe, 2000).

In comparing ancient reforms by Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles with contemporary government, one observes a progression from early efforts to establish legal equality and civic participation toward modern representative democracies. Solon's reforms laid the groundwork for civic rights; Cleisthenes' introduction of democratic assemblies increased participation; Pericles expanded democracy and civic engagement, echoing modern ideals of inclusive governance (Ober, 2008).

The transformation of the feudal state into the Modern State involved several factors, including the centralization of authority, the development of national identities, technological advances such as printing, and economic shifts from agrarian to industrial systems. The decline of feudal hierarchies and the rise of bureaucratic institutions allowed for a unified national authority (Tilly, 1992).

A comparative analysis of Absolutism and Liberalism reveals contrasting characteristics:

| System | Who governed? | Who had the greatest power? | How was power allocated? |

|------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|

| Political Absolutism | Monarch with divine right | The monarch | Centralized authority, virtually unchecked |

| Political Liberalism | Elected representatives or institutions | The sovereign people or elected bodies | Power distributed among institutions, with constitutional limits |

The core postulates of political liberalism emphasize individual rights, rule of law, separation of powers, and representative government. It advocates for limiting state power to protect individual freedoms and promote political equality (Liberal International, 2022).

In conclusion, these various elements—concepts of Nation and State, citizenship laws, historical reforms, and political systems—are interconnected in shaping contemporary political thought. Understanding their distinctions and development provides essential insights into modern governance and sovereignty.

References

• Anderson, B. (1983). Imagined Communities: Reflection on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Verso.
• Hobsbawm, E., & Ranger, T. (1983). The Invention of Tradition. Cambridge University Press.
• Liberal International. (2022). Principles of Political Liberalism. Retrieved from https://www.liberal-international.org
• Ober, J. (2008). Democracy and Knowledge: The Coming of Age of Heraion. Princeton University Press.
• Owen, D., & Karas, A. (2012). Citizenship and Immigration Law: A Comparative Perspective. Routledge.
• Rahe, P. (2000). Republics Ancient and Modern. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
• Tilly, C. (1992). Coercion, Capital, and European States, AD 990–1990. Wiley-Blackwell.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (2023). Optional Practical Training (OPT). Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov
• Department of Homeland Security. (2023). Visa and Immigration Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov
• Owen, D., & Karas, A. (2012). Citizenship and Immigration Law: A Comparative Perspective. Routledge.