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UPSC Prelims 2021 Paper-1 📅 10 Oct, 2021

Which one of the following best defines the term 'State'?

A
A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government.
B
It is a politically organized people of a definite territory and possessing an authority to govern them, maintain law and order, protect their natural rights and safeguard their means of sustenance.
C
A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government.
D
A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary.
Result Summary
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APEDIA

UPSC Prelims
2021 • 10 Oct, 2021 • Paper-1
Which one of the following best defines the term 'State'?
Correct Answer
A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government.
Political Science Foundations: In classical political theory, derived from international law frameworks like the Montevideo Convention, an entity must possess s......
Ref/Book : UPSC Prelims 2021
Ref. Subject Polity
Chapter -
Ref. Topic System of Government
Pg. No -
💡 Analysis & Explanation
Political Science Foundations ▼
In classical political theory, derived from international law frameworks like the Montevideo Convention, an entity must possess specific, non-negotiable attributes to be legally and politically classified as a 'State'.
The Four Essential Pillars ▼
The universally accepted definition demands exactly four elements: 1) A defined Population (a community of persons), 2) A defined Territory (occupying a definite territory permanently), 3) A functioning Government (an organized administrative structure), and 4) Sovereignty (complete independence from external or foreign control).
Analyzing Alternatives ▼
While other options mention culture, natural rights, or independent judiciaries, these describe a 'Nation', a 'Welfare State', or a specific 'Democratic structure'. They miss or muddle the foundational requirement of absolute sovereignty.
Conclusion ▼
The first statement rigorously encapsulates the four indispensable, academic prerequisites of a State.
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