ABSTRACT
The extent to which the State has developed influence over the market and its participants throughout modern history manifests itself in different aspects. In this context, the State uses its political authority to decide “who can obtain what and how” in a society (Popper 1945, p. 172). Here, what refers to economic resources but also to rights and obligations, while how makes reference to the legal aspects that give certainty and promote compliance with contracts. Therefore, the definition of the role a State plays, both regarding the economy as well as participation in the economic and social spheres of activity is determined by the way in which power structures have defined the division of labour among its different institutional levels (Popper 1945, p. 300).
