[tame_deuces]

Well, ironically the modern term state was partially thought out due to a desire to protect private property rights. The old term state (which simply meant 'people', and in singular form 'ruler') wasn't too big on that. So you basically got a model where the state should legally and politically answer to its inhabitants (and vice versa).

The system was based on checks&balances out of the pretty decent idea that you need checks and balances on human behavior to protect rights. Clever bastards.