1.) A Repressive State Apparatuses is a part of society that controls people by using force or punishment. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it keeps order like the police, the military, or prisions. For example, if people protest and the police show up to stop them or arrest them, that’s a Repressive Apparatus.

2.) An Ideological State Apparatuses works by shaping our thoughts instead of using force. These are like schools, churches, families, and the media. They make us believe certain things are just normal, like being on time, working hard, or respecting authority. For example, school teaches us how to follow rules and be good workers in the future.

3.) The difference is that Repressive State Apparatuses uses force, while Ideological State Apparatuses uses ideas. RSA keep people in line through things like police and prisons, while ISA convince people to go along with the system by teaching them beliefs.

4.) An example is the movie The Pursuit of Happiness. It shows that if you work hard enough, even if you’re really poor, you can still become successful. That’s ideology because it makes people believe in the “American Dream.” It’s an ISA because the movie doesn’t force anyone to believe this. It teaches the message through entertainment.