Before asking the question of whether or not a state is needed, it important that the idea"s of a state are outlined so that clearer notions of what is being discussed can be achieved. A state, in today"s world, consists of an area of land to which people and all things on this land are enclosed by borders. Everyone inside these borders must adhere to a common set of rules and regulations with which to base their lives upon. Some states have more rules and/or harsher rules than others, but the general ideology behind the state is that there is some sort of third party coercion over the people. We need a state in order to keep us in a general sense of order, away from the social chaos, which might occur without one. A state, however large or small, strict or loose, must be in place to provide us with direction, minimal services, and protection from others.

             By looking at both economic and moral/social arguments put forth by some by of the great Political Philosophers of all time it is clear that many of them believe that at least some form of state is needed. Not including anarchists, even the most staunch reformers of their own time, those who wanted no state at all, agree that a state of some sort is necessary. Philosophers such as Adam Smith and Robert Nozick, both agree that a State is necessary. By examining the Economic idea"s of Adam Smith and why he believed a state is necessary and the moral/social idea"s of Robert Nozick it is clear that some form of state is crucial to society. These two philosophers give a strong range of thought as they are from time periods of 150 years difference. These two philosophers although different in many of their specific idea"s, method"s and area"s of interest agree on one common theme - the State is Necessary. A third philosopher, John M Keynes, was an avid supporter of the state and its involvement in the affairs of its people in order to better society.