PROBLEMS OF POLITICAL THEORY 337 



property the state must have jurisdiction, and in regard to con- 

 duct the state itself must judge. 



The problem of how far the state may regulate conduct is partly 

 solved by reference to the existing body of law, which gives to the 

 state extreme rights, even to the power of putting an end to a sub- 

 ject's existence in some instances. This gives rise to the problems 

 centering upon the right to punish crime which has received much 

 theoretical attention. It is granted that certain acts should lead 

 to the exercise of counter acts by the person who suffers, by his 

 family or friends, by the community, or by some properly consti- 

 tuted power. There might be danger both to the offended and 

 offender if the exercise of force was uncontrolled. The right to 

 exercise such force has therefore in most cases been asserted to belong 

 to the state. The problem of the efficient and just exercise of force 

 therefore appears. 



What political weight should be given to a particular individual 

 because of his possessions, status, capacities, etc., is a problem once 

 thought to be solved, but again arising. 



The problems centering about the varied ideas of liberty, freedom, 

 and equality have been greatly modified by the influence of the 

 theory of evolution. The problems formerly having an individual- 

 istic basis are now calling for a sociological solution. 



Other such problems as rest upon the attempts to regulate power 

 and responsibility in state agents, to create a form of state control 

 that shall be adapted to political needs, and problems having prac- 

 tical ends in view demand theoretical consideration. 



From the theoretical point of view all these problems must be 

 solved in the light of the solution of another problem to which all 

 bear a relationship, viz.: the problem of the end or ideal for which 

 the state exists. Bluntschli 1 formulates as the proper and direct 

 end of the state, " the development of the national capacities, the 

 perfecting of the national life, and, finally, its completion, provided, 

 of course, that the process of moral and political development shall 

 not be opposed to the destiny of humanity." This is an excellent 

 example of the influence of the time-spirit upon political theory. 

 The development of the theory of nationality and the emphasis 

 upon the embodiment of nationality in state form was a mark of his 

 time and is reflected in his theory. Other theories as to the end of 

 the state reflect the influence of the times as well. Sometimes it is 

 protection of the individual, sometimes development of culture, 

 sometimes perfection of liberty, and so through a long list of special 

 ends. 



The solution of the problem of the end of the state will depend 

 upon the theory of the nature of the state. If the state be regarded 

 1 Theory of the State, p. 300. 



