The 10 Essential Functions of the State

1. Legitimate monopoly of the means of violence.

2. Administrative control.

3. Management of public finances through wealth creation and involvement of the citizenry in taxation and redistribution.

4. Investment in human capital.

5. Provision of citizenship rights through national social policies.

6. Provision of infrastructure.

7. Management of the tangible and intangible assets of the State through regulation.

8. Creation of the market.

9. International agreements, including public borrowing.

10. Provision of rule of law, including the subjection of the State to the rule of law.

- Ashraf Ghani

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/3