state authority / state power
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state power
The comprehensive power and authority of a state to enact laws, enforce them, and administer justice. It is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial power.
Die Polizei ist ein Organ der ausübenden Staatsgewalt.
The police are an organ of executive state power.
state authority
The entirety of the bodies and institutions that exercise state power, such as the government, parliament, courts, and police.
Bei der Demonstration kam es zu Zusammenstößen mit der Staatsgewalt.
During the demonstration, there were clashes with the state authorities.
The word consists of 'Staat' (state) and 'Gewalt' (power/force). What matters here is that 'Gewalt' in this context means 'Macht' (power) or 'Autorität' (authority), not 'Gewalttätigkeit' (violence). It refers to the legitimate power of the state.
Die Teilung der Staatsgewalt ist ein Grundprinzip der Demokratie.
The separation of state power is a fundamental principle of democracy.
'Staatsgewalt' is used almost exclusively in the singular, because it describes the entire, indivisible power of the state as a concept.
Die Demonstranten protestierten gegen die ausübende Staatsgewalt.
The demonstrators protested against executive state power.
In a political context, people often talk about the separation of state power. The typical connection is the listing of the three areas: legislative (law-making), executive (implementing), and judicial (judging) power.
Das Parlament ist Teil der legislativen Staatsgewalt.
Parliament is part of legislative state power.
When there is talk of a conflict with 'Staatsgewalt' (state authority), it usually refers specifically to the acting organs of the state, especially the police.
Bei der Räumung des Platzes kam es zu Auseinandersetzungen mit der Staatsgewalt.
During the clearing of the square, there were confrontations with the state authorities.
authorities
Staatsgewalt refers to the power of the state or the bodies that exercise it. Obrigkeit refers to those who wield that power from the perspective of citizens or subjects and often sounds old-fashioned or critical today. Staatsgewalt is used for state authority, while Obrigkeit is used for a distanced view of those in power.
Die Demonstrierenden kritisieren den harten Einsatz der Staatsgewalt.
The demonstrators are criticizing the state authorities' harsh response.
Im historischen Roman wehren sich die Bürger gegen die strenge Obrigkeit.
In the historical novel, the citizens resist the strict authorities.
