The definition and types of functions in the state

The state as a participant of relations in society carries out its activities through strictly defined methods. The latter are represented by a fairly wide range, and therefore it is worthwhile to clearly understand the concept and types of state functions.

Functions - the essence of state legal personality

The classical definition of the function of the state says that this is the kind of activity that the country carries out to achieve its goals.

The main features of the functions of the state are:

1. They understand the general directions of development.
2. Speaking of functions, they always talk about the essence of the country. So, the kinds of functions are revealed by all sides of the state.
3. Functions are a practical expression of the use of mediated sovereignty.
4. Based on the functions, it is possible to judge how well the state effectively executes management activities.
5. Functions must be performed by legitimate methods.

From the presented attributes it is visible, that the concept and kinds of functions of the state are directly connected with those purposes and tasks which are incorporated in idea of creation of the country. Therefore, their division is carried out depending on the objects of impact, which will be considered below.

Types of functions of the state

There are a number of grounds for classifying the functions of the country. However, the most common, defining the most important types of functions of the country, is the division into external and internal.

As a rule, external ones consist of a block that combines four main types of activity. In fact, they are a general subject of international law, and, therefore, they absorb:

1. The defense of the country is carried out through the development of army units, unification into military alliances, participation in peacekeeping missions, etc.
2. Economic cooperation - as in the previous case, can be expressed in active participation in financial and trade organizations, as well as in export-import relations between countries.
3. Scientific cooperation - as a rule, is expressed in the exchange of experience in solving problems in the field of ecology, medicine and other socially significant issues.
4. Maintaining the level of environmental safety - this function is relatively young and consists in fulfilling obligations on environmental safety.

More common are the types of functions of the state, referred to the internal sphere of state activity. There are four types.

The first and the main is the protective function. And the object of protection is not only the existing social order, but also the ecological situation and cultural heritage. And the last two subjects have recently come to the fore.

But the above function can not be implemented without financial support, and therefore it is always accompanied by an economic function. The state is obliged to carry out at least a minimum regulation of the economy, including with the help of tax policy.

In addition to the above two, the types of functions include the social. Lawyers always present it as a duty of the state to ensure an equal level of well-being for all. But this is a utopia, and therefore it should be said that this type includes activities to provide socially vulnerable sections of society and their protection, stimulating development through the provision of free or accessible education.

The fourth type is scientific and cultural functions. The development of both culture and science ultimately helps the state fulfill the first two functions.

This is the main classification and the most complete, the main criterion for the division of which is the object of influence.

Also, the types of functions of the country are divided according to the following characteristics:

1. By duration - permanent (economic or defense of the country) and temporary (for example, cooperation in anthropogenic disasters) ;
2. On the coverage of the territory - national (protection of cultural heritage) and local (development of the infrastructure of the territorial unit).

Earlier, the classification based on the emergence was based on the Marxist approach, namely, the impact on the state of class contradictions.

Therefore, understanding the nature and types of functions of the country, to disclose its orientation is not difficult.