POLITICAL SCIENCE

MODULE 1: State and Sovereignty in Political

1.1 The Concept of the State — Meaning and Definition

- The word State comes from the Latin word "status" which means a position or standing of authority. It
was used by Machiavelli in the 16th century to describe a governing political unit or country.

- A state is a supreme political institution that holds ultimate authority over a defined territory and its
people. It is not just a government or a geographical area. It is the highest form of political
[Link] state maintains social order, creates and enforces laws, and represents its people in
internal and international matters.

- The state is a legitimate human community that exists within a defined territory, governed by a single
sovereign authority (the government), bound together by law and political organization.

- The state has FOUR essential elements — Population, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty. ALL
four must be present for a state to exist.

1.1.2 State as a Community of Persons

-The concept of the state is not limited only to its government or its geographical territory. The most
important and fundamental aspect of the state is its PEOPLE. A state cannot exist without a community
of persons living within its boundaries. These individuals form the social and legal foundation of the
state.

- Population refers to the group of people who live permanently in a defined territory and are governed
by a common political and legal system. The common political organization is the government, and the
legal system is the judiciary. Without people, there can be no laws to enforce, no government to obey,
and no society to organize.

Characteristics of the Community of Persons

1. Permanent Nature: The individuals who form the population of a state must live there on a
continuous and permanent basis. Temporary visitors, tourists, or travelers do NOT count. Permanent
residency is the key requirement.

2. Legal Relationship
Citizens have a legal connection to the state. They are bound by its laws, contribute through taxes, and
participate in civic duties such as voting. There are both fundamental rights and fundamental duties
attached to citizenship.

3. Social Organization
The people within a state form a structured society. They cooperate, communicate, and coexist under
an organized system of governance. They are not a random group they are united under rules, laws,
and institutions.
4. Cultural or National Identity
In many cases, the population shares a common language, culture, or heritage. However, this is NOT a
strict requirement for statehood. India is the best example — a state with multiple languages, cultures,
and heritages.

Importance of Population
• People are the foundation of the state laws, policies, and governance are created for their
benefit.
• The population gives legitimacy to the government through elections and civic participation.
• Without population, no other element of the state has any meaning or purpose.
• Even a small country like Bhutan qualifies as a state because it has a permanent population.

What is 'Political'? — Origin of the Word

Both 'politics' and 'political' come from the Greek word "polis" meaning city or state. From polis came
"politicos" meaning related to citizens or public affairs. Politics in simple terms is: "who gets what, when
and how" — activities and policies used to gain and hold power in a government.
Political science is a systematic study of the state government, political institution, political behaviour
and political theory. It studies how power is gained use and control in society.

1.1.3 State as a Politically Organized Society within a Defined Territory

-The state is not only a community of persons but also a politically organized society that exists within a
clearly defined territory. This definition emphasizes two crucial aspects of statehood: (1) Political
Organization and (2) Territorial Boundaries. Together, they provide the structural and functional
framework that allows a state to govern effectively.

A. Politically Organized Society

A politically organized society means the people living in a state are NOT a random group. They are
united and governed by a formal system of rules, laws, and institutions. This organization allows the
state to function by maintaining law and order, protecting rights, and providing services.

Key Features of Political Organization:

• Government: A structured authority — whether democracy, monarchy, or dictatorship — that
makes and enforces laws.
• Legal System: A set of rules defining what is legal and illegal, and the process for resolving
disputes.
• Institutions: Bodies like the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary that carry out government
functions.
• Leadership and Representation: Leaders or elected officials who represent the interests of the
people.

B. Defined Territory
A state must have a specific geographical area in which it exercises its power and authority. This
territory is the physical space where the population resides and where the government enforces its
laws.
Characteristics of Defined Territory:
• Fixed Boundaries: Clearly marked borders — either natural (rivers, mountains) or artificial
(legal/political agreements).
• Land, Water, and Airspace: Territory includes not just land but inland waters, seas up to a limit,
and the airspace above it.
• Sovereign Control: The state has the supreme right to govern everything within its borders
without external interference.

Without a defined territory, the state cannot claim full sovereignty or exercise effective governance. A
nomadic or floating population without land cannot form a recognized state.

1.1.4 State as the Only Sovereign Entity with a Single Government

- Sovereignty means supreme power, absolute authority, and full control. A state is recognized as the
only sovereign entity within its territory meaning it holds ultimate authority over all internal and external
matters. It is independent and self-governing. No other institution, religious, economic, or social can
claim to be above the state in legal or political terms.

Two Aspects of Sovereignty

(i) Internal Sovereignty
The state's authority over everything within its borders people, institutions, land, and law. The state has
the final say in making and enforcing all laws within its territory.

(ii) External Sovereignty

The state's independence from other states its right to enter treaties, maintain defense, and govern
without foreign interference. It conducts its foreign policy entirely on its own terms.

State with a Single Government

Every state has one central political authority, a single government that governs the entire population
and territory.

Key Characteristics of a Single Government:

• Unity of Command: All public institutions and officials operate under one political system.
• Representation of the State: The government acts as the official voice of the state both
domestically and internationally.
• Law-Making and Enforcement: Only the government has the power to create and enforce laws.
• Public Administration: The government provides services, maintains order, and organizes
development.

Why Only the State is Sovereign?

No other organization, NGOs, political parties, religious groups, or corporations can be sovereign
because they all operate under the authority of the state. Their roles, rights, and responsibilities are
defined by the laws of the state. They can be regulated, reformed, and even abolished by the state.
Only the state has absolute and legitimate authority over its territory and people.
Federal States
-Even in federal systems like the USA or India (quasi-federal), where there are multiple levels of
government (central and state), ultimate sovereignty lies with the national Constitution and the central
government. State governments operate within the framework of the Constitution and cannot act
independently of the Union's legal and constitutional limits.

1.1.5 Definitions of State

-The concept of the state is a combination of various aspects such as population, territory, government,
and sovereignty according to different Scholars, the state has been defined differently.

1. Aristotle

Definition: "The state is a union of families and villages having for its end a perfect and self-
sufficing life."

Explanation: Aristotle saw the state as a natural development from smaller social units — families, then
villages, then the state. The goal of the state is to ensure a good, self-sufficient life for its people (food,
clothing, shelter).

2. Jean Bodin

Definition: "The state has the supreme power over its citizens and subjects, unrestrained
by law."

Explanation: Bodin emphasized sovereignty — the idea that the state has absolute power to make and
enforce laws. Key words: 'supreme power' and 'unrestrained by law.'

3. Woodrow Wilson

Definition: "The state is a people organized for law within a defined territory."

Explanation: Wilson focused on the legal and territorial aspects of the state. He emphasized
organization, law, and fixed borders.

4. Harold Laski

Definition: "The state is a territorial society divided into government and subjects, claiming
within its allotted physical area a supremacy over all other institutions."

Explanation: Laski highlighted the territorial nature of the state, the relationship between government
and people, and the state's supremacy over all other organizations.

5. Max Weber

Definition: "The state is a human community that successfully claims a monopoly of the
legitimate use of physical force within a given territory."

Explanation: Weber's famous definition highlights the enforcement power of the state. The state is the
ONLY entity allowed to use force legally.
6. Garner (Most Comprehensive Definition)

Definition: "The state is a community of persons, more or less numerous, permanently

occupying a definite portion of territory, independent of external control, and possessing an
organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience."

Explanation: Garner's definition is the most comprehensive because it includes ALL four essential
elements — Population, Territory, Sovereignty, and Government.

1.1.6 Constituent Elements of the State and Importance of Each Element

-The state is a well-defined political entity that comes into existence only when certain essential
elements are present. These are known as constituent elements of the state. Without even ONE of
these elements, a state cannot exist in the true sense. The four essential elements are: Population,
Territory, Government, and Sovereignty. Each element is crucial and interdependent not independent.

1) Population
Population refers to the people living permanently within the state. It is the human element without
which the state has no identity.

Importance of Population:
• Laws, policies, and governance are created for the benefit of the people.
• The population gives legitimacy to the government through elections and civic participation.
• Without population, no government can enforce laws and no society can be organized.
• There is no fixed minimum number even a small country like Bhutan qualifies as a state.

2) Territory
Territory refers to the fixed geographical area or boundary over which the state has authority and
control. This includes land, water, and airspace.

Importance of Territory:
• Territory helps in identification and recognition of the state — it defines what is under sovereign
control.
• Territory is where the government exercises its jurisdiction and law enforcement.
• Without a defined territory, the state loses control and becomes unstable.
• Example: Disputes over Kashmir or Palestine show the critical importance of territorial clarity.

3) Government
Government is the institution or system through which the state operates and enforces laws. The state
is a concept or idea, but it is represented by its government. The government consists of three
branches — Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.

Importance of Government:
 • The government provides order, stability, and structure to the state.
• The government represents the state in internal and external matters.
• The government protects the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
• The government maintains law and order through legal systems and enforcement agencies
(police, military).
• The government promotes economic and social development.
• Example: India has a parliamentary form of government which manages the entire country's
administration.

4)Sovereignty
Sovereignty means the state has supreme and independent authority. The state governs itself without
any internal or external interference.

Importance of Sovereignty:
• Sovereignty allows the state to make its own laws and policies.
• Sovereignty ensures independence and self-rule.
• Sovereignty establishes the state's authority in international law.
• Sovereignty enables the government to act as the final authority in all internal matters.

Two Types of Sovereignty:

• Internal Sovereignty: Control over people and laws within the geographical boundary of the
state.
• External Sovereignty: Independence in foreign affairs and international relations.
• Example: When India gained independence in 1947, it became a sovereign state with the power
to rule itself.

1.1.7 Comparative Study — State & Government | State & Society | State &
Association
Introduction
The state is the most powerful political institution in society but it coexists with other important entities
like government, society, and various associations. Though these concepts are interconnected and
often work together, they are NOT the same. A comparative study helps us understand the unique
features of the state and how it differs from these other entities.

A. State vs. Government

State is a permanent political institution with sovereignty, defined territory, population, and government.
Government is an agency or machinery through which the will of the state is formulated and enforced
— it is an instrument of the state, not the state itself.

Aspect State Government

Nature Permanent entity Temporary and changeable

Scope Broader — includes population, Narrower — only the administrative

territory, sovereignty, and govt. organ

Sovereignty Holds ultimate sovereignty Exercises power on behalf of the state

 Continuity Continues even if govt changes Changes through elections or
revolutions

Identity Represents the entire political Represents only the ruling authority
community

Example: India as a state remains permanent, but its government changes — from UPA to NDA.

B. State vs. Society

State is a politically organized entity with law-making authority confined to a definite territory. Society is
a broader term including all social, cultural, religious, and economic relationships among people.

Aspect State Society

Nature Political organization Social organization

Purpose Maintain law, order, and protect rights Promote cooperation and social
development

Scope Limited to a defined territory Much broader — includes all human

relationships

Authority Exercises legal coercion (force) Relies on moral and social values and
norms

Origin Came into existence much later Much older than the state

Key Difference: State uses legal force (coercion) whereas society relies on moral values
and norms.

Example: Indian society includes various castes, religions, and cultures — whereas the state governs
this society through law.

C. State vs. Association

State is a sovereign, all-encompassing organization. Association is a group of individuals united for a
specific purpose — for example, clubs, trade unions, religious bodies, sports associations, or trusts.

Aspect State Association

Purpose General — making laws, maintaining Specific and narrow — religious,

order, justice, welfare cultural, economic goals

Power Sovereign — supreme authority Limited power — operates under state

law

Membership Compulsory — by birth or citizenship Voluntary

Scope Universal and all-inclusive Particular and limited

Law-Making Creates and enforces laws through Cannot make or enforce laws — can
 legal force only make internal rules

Example: A cricket association (like BCCI) organizes tournaments and events. It can have its own
internal rules — but it cannot make or enforce laws like a state. It must follow state laws.

FINAL CONCLUSION: The state stands apart from the government, the society, and
associations in terms of its authority, permanence, scope, and power. Understanding
these distinctions is key to grasping the structure of political systems and their
relationship with society.

End of Module 1 — State and Sovereignty in Political Theory