้holds that the state is created by its members and is dependent on consensus for its continued existence. The state is seen as representing the common good or common interests, and provides for social needs, for example education, welfare, defense and the legal system. In this context, the State is viewed as a democratic institution which regulates economic power and protects the people from economic exploitation in the interest of society as a whole. The State in pluralist societies becomes more complex whereby interest groups compete within limits for State control and benefits, on the assumption that the result is "the greatest good for the greatest number