What is a nation state?

Social Studies 20-1

Let’s put two definitions
together
Nation - a group of people who share the same
history, geography, language, customs and
sometimes religion.

State - A state is a self-governing political entity. The

term state can be used interchangeably with county.
What is an independent
state? (I)
Has space or territory which has internationally
recognized boundaries (boundary disputes are okay)
Has people who live there on an ongoing basis
Has economic activity and an organized economy. A
country regulates foreign trade and domestic trade
and issues money.
Has the power of social engineering, such as
education.
What is an independent
state? (II)
Has a transportation system for moving goods or
services.
Has a government which provided public services
and police power.
Has sovereignty. No other state should have power
over the country’s territory.
Has external recognition. A country has been “voted
into the club” by other countries.
 Defined boarders and
territories

Same type of people

exist

Nation
State
Organized by race or
background

Generally speaks on
language
 Canada and United
States
From this strict definition it’s easy to see that Canada
and the United States are not Nation-States
1. Multiple ethnicities
2. Numerous religious practices

3. Different cultural norms

 Canada and United
States

Even though citizens of Canada and the US share

the same boarder and territory, they do not, in the
sense of the nation-state, share a common
nationality. (the United Nations recognizes Canada
and the United States as “Nation States”)
 Who is a Nation State?
Most countries do not completely fall within the
definition of the nation-state, since most countries
have immigrants.
• Ideal Nation States
• Iceland
• Japan
• North Korea
 Discussion Time

Here are a list of questions that we are going to look

at as a class. You are expected to give an answer.
You will have about one minute to talk to the people
beside you to come up with an answer. You never
know, I might just pick you.
 Question 1

Do all Canadians share a common identity? If so

what is it?
 Question 2

Given your understanding of the definition of a

nation, should “Canadian” be considered a
nationality?
 Question 3

Canada could be considered to be founded by three

separate nations. Who are they?
 Question 4

Many Quebecois consider themselves a separate

nation from Canada. Do you agree with this
interpretation? What about First Nation people?
 Question 5

In a multi-national state such as Canada, what are

some of the biggest hurdles that our government
must overcome to accommodate all of its citizens?
 Question 6

Why can it be contested that multi-national states

always lead to tyranny of the majority?
 Question 7

Can you think of any historical/contemporary

examples of a multi-national state that has led to civil
war?
 The Assignment

You will be needing the internet to help you with this

assignment. On it, you will be looking at countries
that have recently been designated status of an
independent nation.