The Evolutionary Theory of the State and its significance:
The Evolutionary Theory is also known as the sociological or the correct theory of the origin of the State. The Evolutionary Theory is regarded as the true and correct theory regarding the origin of the state. This theory helps in understanding the forces and factors which created the state and historical stage through which it passed. The factors that affect the Evolutionary Theory of the State are:
(i) Kinship: The state is based on the principle of command and obedience. In earliest stages, the matriarchal and patriarchal societies became the basis of the origin of the state.
(ii) Magic and religion: In ancient times, people were not civilized and advance. At this stage, man was at the mercy of nature. So he tried to control nature by different practices which later on got the name of magic. With the passage of time, men became priest-kings. Slowly and gradually, religion became a powerful instrument for keeping control over the people. Today, religion plays an important role in various state activities.
(iii) War and force: War and force played an important role in the development of the state. Whenever force is used, there is a definite purpose for it. In the beginning, force was used to capture animals, and wealth and land of neighbouring tribes. So it can be said that wars in the beginning were fought for economic purposes. Since war became a permanent feature of tribal life, leadership also became permanent. With the passage of time, the tribal states were changed into kingdoms, and in this way, the modern state came into being. The significance of the this theory is that it explains that the State is the product of growth, a slow and steady evolution extending over a long period of time and ultimately shaping itself into a complex structure of a modern State.
