State

A state may be simply defined as a politically organized body of people occupying a definite geographical entity/territory with an organized government, free from external control and has coercive power to secure obedience from its citizens and others.

FAA/FIRST TERM/GOVERNMENT/SS ONEExamples are Nigeria, USA, and Ghana etc. States like Lagos, Ogun etc. are components parts of the main state, Nigeria created for administrative conveniences CHARACTERISTICS OF A STATE 1.Population: one major feature of a state is population. There must be agiven number of people without a minimum or maximum to occupy it.

2.Territory; a state must possess a definite territory which includes air, ocean and other natural features. It might be either small or big with clear-cut boundaries separating it from others.

3.Government; the government makes a state effective as it runs the affairs of the state. The government performs its function on behalf of the state as it makes and enforces laws. The government maintains the existence and survival of a state.

4.Sovereignty; this refers to the power of a state to make and enforce laws within its territory without any external influence.

5.Recognition; a state must be recognized both internally and externally. Other countries in the international arena must recognize its existence. 6.Membership: it is very compulsory for one to be a member of a state either by birth or other means of acquiring citizenship

7.Law: a state must have a system of laws, which are binding on all the individuals and groups residing in the state. The laws are enshrined in the constitution.

8.Permanence: a state is permanent. The individual can die, the government can be removed but a state cannot be removed unless it is conquered in a war