(a) Describe the term State. (b) What are the features of a State?

Explanation

(a)A state is defined as a politically organised body of people occupying a definite geographical territory, living under a government, entirely or almost entirely free from external control and competent to secure habitual obedience from persons within it.

(b) The Features of a State:

(i) A definite territory: A state must possess a definite territory which can be large or small.

(ii) Population: For a state to exist, there must be a given number of people that occupy it. This number has neither minimum nor maximum.

(iii) Government: A state must have a machinery called government that will steer its affairs.

(iv) Sovereignty and independence: A state must have supreme power to enable it make and enforce laws and it must be free from external control.

(v) A state must be recognised both internally and externally.

(vi)A state is permanent as much as possible.