Differentiate between government and state.
Question 1 Report
Differentiate between government and state.
Answer Details
Government and state are related but distinct concepts. The main differences are shown below.
| State | Government |
|---|---|
| A politically organised body of people occupying a definite territory with a government and sovereignty. | The machinery or agency through which the will of the state is carried out. |
| Has four essential elements: population, territory, government and sovereignty. | Has three organs: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. |
| Is permanent and continuous; it does not change easily. | Is temporary; governments change through elections, coups or resignation. |
| Is an abstract concept; it cannot be seen physically. | Is more concrete; its officials and institutions can be seen and identified. |
| Possesses sovereignty (supreme power). | Only exercises the sovereign power on behalf of the state. |
| Membership is compulsory for all who live in the territory. | Membership is limited to those who hold office at a given time. |
| The state is larger and embraces the government. | The government is only a part of the state. |
| Owes allegiance to no higher authority within. | Derives its authority from the constitution of the state. |
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