The features of a state

DEFINITION

A state refers to a clearly defined area. It is sovereign and has its own population. It has a constitution and a government that has the power to make laws and power of enforcement.

FEATURES OF A STATE

Population

One very important feature of a state is its population. The population of a state is made up of both citizens and foreigners. The population of a state is not static; it expands or shrinks depending on the policy direction of the government of the day.

Definite Territory

Another feature of a state is that it has a definite territory. Included in this definite territory are the land, water, underground and air-spaces located within the borders of the state.

Government

A crucial feature of a state is a government. It is the government that performs the activities of the state on behalf of the state. It is the government makes all the laws, it is the same government that enforces the laws and it that same government that interprets the law.

Permanent Existence

The state is like a going concern. It enjoys a permanent status. Even though governments may come and go, the state remains. For example, though Ghana has experienced many different types of governments, coming and going, the state has remained permanent.

Recognition

For a state to be referred to as a state, it must be officially recognized by other states. This recognition is often characterized by the establishment of diplomatic relationships with other states.

Constitution

Another important feature of a state is its constitution. A state must of necessity have a constitution because it is the constitution that regulates the activities of everybody in the state.

Membership is Compulsory

By default, one is a member of a state. There is no luxury of determining whether one wants or does not want to be a member of a state. It is unlike an association or club where one can choose not to join.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. a. What is a state?

    b. Highlight five components /features of a state.

2. a. Describe the term state.

    b. Highlight five features of a state?

TRY THESE OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS ON THE STATE

Test One

1. A unique feature of a state is to

A. maintain law and order

B. provide transport services

C. engage in campaign and rallies

D. imprison criminals

2. A unique feature of a state is

A. information

B. anarchy

C. organized laws

D. direct democracy

3. The functions of a state are achieved through

A. Political socialization

B. Separation of power

C. organs of government

D. diplomatic means

4. Absence of government in a state is referred to as

A. anarchy

B. confusion

C. coup d’tat

D. instability

5. Which of the following is not an aim for the existence of a state?

A. Promotion of economic independence.

B. Provision of welfare services.

C. Maintenance of external relations

D. Promotion of a common lingua franca.

6. The state is different from the government because

A. the state, unlike the government is permanent.

B. government is made up of powerful people.

C. members of government are related.

D. the state is created by God.

7. Which of the following limits the sovereignty of a state?

A. The Armed Forces.

B. Membership of international bodies.

C. Constitutional restrains

D. Acts of Parliament

8. A state is legally governed with

A. a draft constitution

B. an approved constitution

C. bye-laws

D. statutory instrument

9. The supreme power of a state over citizens unrestrained by law refers to

A. autocracy

B. decree

C. sovereignty

D. legitimacy

10. Which of the following is a duty of a state?

A. Ensuring justice.

B. Provision of security.

C. Provision of welfare services.

D. Encouraging political instability.

Test Two

1.      Which of the following is a feature a modern state?

A.      Territory.

B.      Acts of Parliament.

C.      Political party

D.     Electoral boundary.

2. The primary function of a state is to

A. implement policies of the opposition party.

B. provide social facilities.

C. maintain law and order.

D. formulate policies for the opposition.

3. The power of the state beyond which no other power exists is known as

A. legitimacy.

B. sovereignty.

C. authority.

D. democracy.

4. A state’s power to make and enforce laws without any limitation is called

A. legitimacy.

B. sovereignty.

C. authority.

D. order.

5. Freedom of the state from any form of control may be termed as

A. dependence.

B. sovereignty.

C. power.

D. authority.

6. Which of the following is a feature of a state?

A. Definite territory.

B. The Sea.

C. Political party.

D. Democracy.

7. A politically independent state has its own

A. sovereignty.

B. legitimacy.

C. authority.

D. power.

8. A state is sovereign only when

A. it protects its citizens.

B. the minorities are permitted in parliament.

C. it owes no allegiance to any external power.

D. there is absolute freedom in the state.

9. The word state means that

A. a society of kinship relationship is formed.

B. a political authority is established on a defined territorial area.

C. a group of people owes loyalty to a leader.

D. rules and regulations exist for an association of persons.

10. A state is a special form of human association because it

A. has a legitimate monopoly of life and death penalties over its citizens.

B. it is the riches association in society.

C. has a constitution approved by the citizens.

D. has a government.

Answers to objective questions>>
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