How Did Political System Evolve Over Time

Introduction

The political system is a system of politics and government or the set of formal legal institutions that make up a government or state.

How Did Political Systems Evolve Over Time

Before political systems evolved over the years, we first had societies that resemble what we think of as politics today. A state can be defined as "an organization that successfully claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory" (Weber, 1948, p. 78).

Early Societies and Tribal Groups

Tribal groups, which still exist in countries like Papua New Guinea and Brazil, continue to live relatively undisturbed by modern governments. The purpose of recognizing these groups, to some extent, is to represent them at the United Nations. In a way, we have all evolved from these tribal groups. One specific way in which these tribal groups differ from the state model of government is territory. While many of these tribal groups have their own territories, some are nomadic, like the Fulanis of Northern Nigeria; they herd their cattle through lands cultivated by others. Efforts are being made today by the Nigerian government to control the herdsmen. Another notable group is the Kalahari Bushmen, and what they all have in common is the belief that the government is a property. Tiv, a tribal group in Nigeria, is an example of a group that has existed without centralized governmental institutions. Disputes and quarrels are settled within themselves, and if a solution could not be found, then the two groups would remain at loggerheads until a solution is found.

Other societies practiced a division of functions on an "age grade" basis, in which the oldest men manage relationships with the gods, another male group is responsible for the hunt, and older women practice medicine, among other roles. In these tribal societies, figures translated into English as Chiefs hold the most authority.

The Feudal System

The feudal system was particularly practiced in Europe in the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Feudal Europe comprised states and mini-states rather than being stateless. An example would be the Holy Roman Empire, which was headed by the Emperor, the supreme ruler of the collection or mixture of kingdoms, dukedoms, sovereign bishoprics, federated cities, and so on. One of the problems of this system was an overlapping of jurisdiction, which often led to conflicts and inefficiencies in governance.

Transition to Modern States

Later on in European history, some of the feudal territories evolved into entities similar to a modern state. This evolution was not limited to Europe; similar transitions occurred in many parts of the world, like in Nigeria, where kingdoms in Benin, Yorubaland, and Hausaland emerged. A kingdom can be regarded as an example of dynastic politics, meaning they are governed not so much by individuals as by families. Additionally, we have Empires, a form of rule that has dominated large parts of the globe for millennia. Examples include the ancient empires of China and Rome, the Moghul Empire of India, and others. Even with modern political systems today, it is difficult to find states with an unambiguous nationality or ethnic background. This complexity highlights the diverse and intricate nature of political evolution throughout history.

Conclusion

The evolution of political systems from tribal societies to modern states and empires reflects humanity's ongoing quest to organize societies in ways that balance authority, resource distribution, and cultural identity. Understanding this evolution provides valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of governance in the contemporary world.

References

Weber, M. (1948). In H. H. Gerth & C. W. Mills (Eds.), From Max Weber: Essays in Sociology. Oxford University Press.