Define state and discuss its essential features
Answers
Answer:
A state may be defined as a politically organised body of people inhabiting a defined geographical entity with an organized legitimate government. A state must be free from all forms of external control to exercise its sovereignty within its area of jurisdiction.
Answer:
A state is a clearly defined region. It is self-governing and has a population of its own. It has a constitution and a government with the authority to make and enforce laws.
Explanation:
A state is a politically organised body of people who live in a specified geographical entity and have a legitimate government.
To exercise sovereignty within its area of authority, a state must be free of all types of external control. It is important to distinguish between a state and a kingdom or empire. Nigeria is an example of a state, while Owu and Oyo are examples of kingdoms and empires, respectively.
Features:
1. Population: The most visible vital aspect of a state is its population. "The most stable regimes are those in which the people has reached a general political and social consensus (an agreement) on fundamental ideas."
2. Territory: A state, country, or city has its own set of boundaries. States and countries may disagree about where their borders should be drawn. Boundaries can also be altered as a result of conflict, land acquisition, or government talks.
3. Sovereignty: A state's most important characteristic. Political sovereignty refers to the state's absolute supremacy over its territory's boundaries. It has the authority to establish laws, shape foreign policy, and take action without the approval of a higher authority.
4. Government: A government is defined as "the entity through which the state maintains social order, delivers public services, and enforces binding choices on its population."
5. Permanence: In contrast to the government, which changes from time to time, a state must be relatively permanent. This stability allows a state to develop in the way it should.
6. Recognition: A territory must be recognised by other governments and international organisations in order to be termed a state. This understanding will thwart any type of bloodshed or conflict over issues such as borders and the like.
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