1. Repressive state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through violence. Examples of this include jail, military, death and war. Althusser calls it repressive because it restrains our freedom through fear. We are taught from very young that we must behave a certain way, or not behave a certain way to avoid going to prison, or even dying.
  2. Ideological state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through coercion. Examples of this include schools, religion, race, economic status etc. These systems are all set in place so that you internalize ideology and in turn stay in line. This also includes democratic apparatus in which you are given the illusion of responsibility to society by voting, and state apparatus, the mandatory schooling system in which the youth are mandated to be to teach them discipline, structure and maintain social and economic order
  3. Repressive and Ideological state apparatus differ in nature but ultimately have the same goal. Repressive state is more harsh and matter of fact, there is usually a direct cause and effect there. For example if you assault someone you will go to jail. This is to keep social order, nobody wants to lose their freedom so most people abide by the laws. Ideological state apparatus is not as direct but instead gives people the illusion that they are choosing to do the right thing and abide by the law when repressive state apparatus fails. Take the same example of assaulting someone but now add religion into it. Someone who is religious is less likely to assault someone because they are now breaking moral code of conduct.
  4. The image below is an example of ideological apparatus because the people are given the illusion of having a responsibility to society, and the illusion of choosing a candidate that align with their own ideologies.

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