state

2. The Word ‘State’ apart from its conceptual
linkage with such terms
Use of Terminology
Nation
Body Politic
Country or Government

3. Aristotle Regarded:
“ Aggregation of different families and villages
organized for the purpose of providing facilities for the
promotion of a happy and prosperous life.”

4. Other Perceptions
According to Joh-W. Burgess:
“ State is a particular portion of life
mankind views as an organized unit.”
Bluntschli regards:
“ The politically-organized people of
definite territory.”

5. Essential Elements
Four essential Elements constitute a state:
 Population
 Territory
 Government
 Sovereignty

6. In the absence of population, the idea of any human
organization cannot be conceived.
Population of state include aliens as well who are not
given political rights.
i. Size
ii. Modern Approach
iii. Population Growth
iv. New Trends

7. Territory differentiates a state from a nomadic people
(Border of two countries).
Modern concept of nationhood is also based on
common territory know as territorial nationalism.
Features:
 Vastness of Territory
 Modern Period
 Location

8. An organ of state through which the will of state is
formulated and expressed.
 Change in the Government of a state does not affect its
legal position in the eyes of International law.
 Government exercises its authority on behalf of state.
 After change, new regime starts exercising its legitimate
authority.

9. Most essential element of state that signifies its
paramount position to command unconditional
obedience from its citizens and the groups of thereof.
It implies that state is free from any external control.

10. Dual Aspect of Sovereignty
Internal Aspect:
“Laws of state are the source of all powers and
authority within its territorial limits.”
External Aspect:
“It signifies the independence of state from
external control.”
United Nations recognizes equal sovereign status of
all member states.