Which one of the following best defines the term ‘State’?
A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government.
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.
A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government
A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary.
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2021
– Option C focuses on cultural and historical aspects (culture, tradition, long residence) more akin to a nation or community than the political entity of a State.
– Option D describes specific governmental structures (central authority, executive responsibility, independent judiciary) and lacks the crucial element of sovereignty.