What is a state? What characteristics must a state possess?

Answer Details

Meaning of a state. A state is a politically organised body of people occupying a definite territory, possessing an organised government, and enjoying both internal and external sovereignty. It is the highest form of human political association, to which every other association within the territory is subordinate.

Characteristics (essential elements) of a state. For any body to qualify as a state, it must possess the following features.

1. Population: There must be a body of people living together permanently within the territory. Without people there can be no state, though there is no fixed size for the population.
2. Territory: A state must occupy a definite and recognised geographical area, including its land, inland waters, territorial waters and air space, with clearly marked boundaries.
3. Government: There must be an organised machinery of government (the executive, legislature and judiciary) through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and enforced, and law and order maintained.
4. Sovereignty: The state must possess supreme power, both internal and external. Internally it is supreme over all persons and associations within its territory; externally it is free from the control of any other state.
5. Permanence: A state is a permanent and continuing institution. Although governments may change, the state itself continues in existence.