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Q67 (IAS/2021) Polity & Governance › Constitutional Basics & Evolution › Definition of State Official Key

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

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: A
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 1 because it aligns with the classic sociological and political definition of a 'State', specifically the four essential elements formulated by scholars like J.W. Garner.

According to political theory, a State must possess four indispensable components:

  • Population: A community of persons.
  • Territory: A definite geographical area.
  • Government: An organized political agency to exercise control.
  • Sovereignty: The most crucial element, implying independence from external control and supreme internal authority.

Option 1 is the most comprehensive as it explicitly includes "independence of external control" (Sovereignty), which distinguishes a 'State' from a 'Nation' or a 'Government'. Option 2 focuses on functions rather than essential attributes. Option 3 describes an ethnic or cultural 'Nation'. Option 4 describes a specific constitutional structure (separation of powers) rather than the universal definition of a State.

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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which one of the following best defines the term 'State'? [A] A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independ…
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 0/10
Statement 1
Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government"?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
Presence: 5/5
“State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and possessing power to make domestic and foreign policies. Governments may change, but the state continues. In common speech, the terms country, nation and state are used as synonyms.”
Why this source?
  • Gives a concise definition: political association occupying a definite territory and having an organised government.
  • Specifies continuity of the state despite changes in government and mentions power over domestic and foreign policies (implying sovereignty).
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > State Reorganisation > p. 12
Presence: 3/5
“Independence in 1947. Thus during its long history of over 5000 years, India was never identified as a single state in the modern sense of the term. Interestingly enough, "neither the Mauryas, nor the Guptas, nor the Mughals, nor the British at the height of their power, exercised sovereignty over the whole of India's territory" (Pannikar, 1964). The British, after extending the political limits of their possession of 'India' to the traditional limits of the subcontinent, tried to bring about political stability in the area, and thus brought a 'definiteness about the idea of India' (Spate and Learmonth—1967). The boundaries, except for parts of the Greater Himalayas in the north were fixed.”
Why this source?
  • Discusses the fixing of boundaries and the idea of definiteness about a territory, supporting the 'definite territory' element.
  • Places territorial definiteness in historical and political context relevant to state identity.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Globalisation > The Concept of Globalisation > p. 104
Presence: 3/5
“continues to be the unchallenged basis of political community. The old jealousies and rivalries between countries have not ceased to matter in world politics. The state continues to discharge its essential functions (law and order, national security) and consciously withdraws from certain domains from which it wishes to. States continue to be important. Indeed, in some respects state capacity has received a boost as a consequence of globalisation, with enhanced technologies available at the disposal of the state to collect information about its citizens. With this information, the state is better able to rule, not less able. Thus, states become more powerful than they were earlier as an outcome of the new technology.”
Why this source?
  • Emphasises the state's continued role in essential functions such as law and order and national security, supporting the organised government aspect.
  • Notes state capacity and ability to act through policy and technology, aligning with functional sovereignty.
Statement 2
Is the term "State" in political science defined as "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"?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
Presence: 4/5
“State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and possessing power to make domestic and foreign policies. Governments may change, but the state continues. In common speech, the terms country, nation and state are used as synonyms.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly defines State as a political association occupying a definite territory with an organised government.
  • Specifies that the State possesses power to make domestic and foreign policies, aligning with 'authority to govern'.
  • Captures core structural elements of the submitted definition (territory, political organisation, governing authority).
Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments > From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments > p. 185
Presence: 4/5
“CHAPTER 9 A ruler's duties in the internal administration of the country are three-fold: rakṣha (protection of the state from external aggression), pālana (maintenance of law and order within the state), and yogakṣhema (safeguarding the welfare of the people). Kauṭilya in Arthaśhāstra (translation by L.N. Rangarajan) • 1. What are the different types of government? • 2. Where do governments get their power from? • 3. How does a country's government interact with the people?• 4. Why does democracy matter?”
Why this source?
  • Sets out ruler’s duties including maintenance of law and order (pālana) and safeguarding welfare (yogakṣhema).
  • Directly supports the statement’s functional claims about maintaining law and order and safeguarding means of sustenance.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Citizenship > p. 80
Presence: 3/5
“Political Theory CitizenshipCitizenship 6.1 INTRODUCTION Citizenship has been defined as full and equal membership of a political community. In the contemporary world, states provide a collective political identity to their members as well as certain rights. Therefore we think of ourselves as Indians, or Japanese, or Germans, depending on the state to which we belong. Citizens expect certain rights from their state as well as help and protection wherever they may travel. The importance of full membership of a state can be appreciated if we think of the condition of the thousands of people in the world who have the bad fortune to be forced to live as refugees or illegal migrants because no state is willing to grant them membership.”
Why this source?
  • States that modern states provide collective political identity and certain rights, and that citizens expect rights and protection from the state.
  • Supports the statement’s claim about protecting natural rights and offering protection to citizens.
Statement 3
Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government"?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
Presence: 4/5
“State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and possessing power to make domestic and foreign policies. Governments may change, but the state continues. In common speech, the terms country, nation and state are used as synonyms.”
Why this source?
  • Gives a textbook definition of State that includes occupation of a definite territory and an organised government.
  • Emphasises continuity of the state even when governments change, aligning with the statement's inclusion of government as a core element.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Nationalism > 7.3 NATIONAL SELF-DETERMINATION > p. 104
Presence: 4/5
“Nations, unlike other social groups, seek the right to govern themselves and determine their future development. They seek, in other words, the right to self-determination. In making this claim a nation seeks recognition and acceptance by the international community of its status as a distinct political entity or state. Most often these claims come from people who have lived together on a given land for a long period of time and who have a sense of common identity. In some cases such claims to self-determination are linked also to the desire to form a state in which the culture of the group is protected if not privileged.”
Why this source?
  • Notes that claims to statehood often come from people who have lived together on a land for a long period and have a sense of common identity.
  • Links long-term co-residence and collective identity to the drive to form a state, supporting the statement's 'living for a very long time' element.
Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Citizenship > CitizenshipCitizenship 6.4 CITIZEN AND NATION > p. 90
Presence: 4/5
“The concept of nation state evolved in the modern period. One of the earliest assertions regarding the sovereignty of the nation state and democratic rights of citizens was made by the revolutionaries in France in 1789. Nation states claim that their boundaries define not just a territory but also a unique culture and shared history. The national identity may be expressed through symbols like a flag, national anthem, national language, or certain ceremonial practices, among other things. Most modern states include people of different religions, languages, and cultural traditions. But the national identity of a democratic state is supposed to provide citizens with a political identity that can be shared by all the members of the state.”
Why this source?
  • Explains that nation-states claim boundaries define a unique culture and shared history, matching the statement's cultural/traditional component.
  • Connects territorial boundaries with cultural identity, bridging the concept of nation with that of the state in the statement.
Statement 4
Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary"?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
Strength: 5/5
“State: Political association occupying a definite territory, having an organised government and possessing power to make domestic and foreign policies. Governments may change, but the state continues. In common speech, the terms country, nation and state are used as synonyms.”
Why relevant

Gives a textbook-style definition of State mentioning a definite territory and an organised government with powers over domestic and foreign policy.

How to extend

A student could combine this with the statement's 'definite territory' and 'central authority' claims to check if those core elements match standard definitions.

Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: The Constitution of India — An Introduction > LET'S REMEMBER > p. 220
Strength: 4/5
“• Æ There are three organs of government—legislature, executive and judiciary—and the 'separation of powers' is essential to their effective working.• Æ The legislature makes the laws.• Æ The law is implemented by the executive, which is headed by the prime minister.• Æ The judiciary ensures that all laws made are in accordance with the Constitution. It also decides whether a law has been broken and what punishment is necessary.• Æ We have a three-tier system of government—central, state and local (Panchayati raj system).• Æ Some functions and responsibilities are reserved for the central government, and others are assigned to the state government.”
Why relevant

States the general pattern of three organs—legislature, executive and judiciary—and the importance of separation of powers.

How to extend

Use this pattern to evaluate whether inclusion of an independent judiciary and a distinct executive in the statement fits common political-science models of a State.

Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > WHAT IS FEDERALISM? > p. 155
Strength: 4/5
“matters are the responsibility of the regional or State government. ± To prevent conflicts between the centre and the State, there is an independent judiciary to settle disputes. The judiciary has the powers to resolve disputes between the central government and the States on legal matters about the division of power. Real politics, culture, ideology and history determine the actual working of a federation. A culture of trust, cooperation, mutual respect and restraint helps federations to function smoothly. Political parties also determine the way a constitution would work. If any single unit or State or linguistic group or ideology comes to dominate the entire federation it could generate a deep resentment among people or its units not sharing the dominant voice.”
Why relevant

Describes the role of an independent judiciary in resolving disputes between centre and states in a federal system.

How to extend

A student could infer that many definitions of State expect a judiciary with independence to adjudicate intergovernmental conflicts, supporting the statement's judiciary clause.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > DEFINITION OF STATE > p. 77
Strength: 3/5
“t DEFINITION OF STATE The term 'State' has been used in different provisions concerning the fundamental rights. Hence, Article 12 has defined the term for the purposes of Part III. According to it, the State includes the following: • (a) Government and Parliament of India, that is, executive and legislative organs of the Union government. • (b) Government and legislature of states, that is, executive and legislative organs of state government. • (c) All local authorities, that is, municipalities, panchayats, district boards, improvement trusts, etc. • (d) All other authorities, that is, statutory or non-statutory authorities like LIe, ONGC, SAIL, etc.”
Why relevant

Shows a legal/institutional definition of 'State' in the Indian constitutional context that emphasises government organs and various authorities as part of the State.

How to extend

Compare this legal-listing approach with the statement's social/sociological phrasing ('society permanently living...') to judge whether the claim mixes legal and sociological elements.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties IJl > p. 119
Strength: 3/5
“This is what is meant by saying that the Indian Constitution attempts to strike a balance between individual liberty and social control. The "State", in this context, includes not only the legislative authorities of the Union and the states but also other local or statutory 81 authorities, eg, municipalities, local boards, etc, within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India.”
Why relevant

Also explains that 'State' includes legislative authorities and local/statutory bodies, emphasising institutional breadth rather than the phrase 'society permanently living'.

How to extend

A student could use this to test whether the statement's emphasis on 'society' matches institutional/legal usages which focus on organs and authorities.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC is aggressively targeting 'First Principles'. They want to know if you understand the *nature* of the State before you study its *Constitution*. Expect future questions on the definition of 'Civil Society', 'Sovereignty', or 'Rule of Law' derived from the same theoretical framework.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct conceptual lift from NCERT Class XI Political Theory (Chapter on Nationalism/State) and Class IX (Working of Institutions).
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Political Theory' module. Specifically, the distinction between 'State', 'Nation', 'Government', and 'Society'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the 4 Essential Elements of a State: 1) Population (Demography), 2) Territory (defined boundaries), 3) Government (Agency), 4) Sovereignty (Independence—the most critical element). Contrast this with 'Nation' (Psychological/Cultural unity) and 'Government' (The temporary machinery).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop treating Polity only as 'Laxmikanth' (Articles & Amendments). UPSC has shifted to 'Political Theory'. When reading NCERT Class XI, pause at every definition (e.g., 'What is Liberty?', 'What is Law?'). If you can't define it in one sentence, you are vulnerable.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Classical criteria of the State
💡 The insight

Defines a State by population, definite territory, organised government and sovereignty.

High-yield for polity questions: this core definition is frequently tested directly and underpins comparisons with other political units (nation, government). Mastering it helps answer conceptual definition, distinction and classification questions in UPSC prelims and mains.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a community of persons perm..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 State functions: law and order and national security
💡 The insight

Highlights that an organised government performs essential functions like law and order and national security.

Useful for linking theory to practice in mains answers and essays; explains why organised government is a defining criterion and connects to topics on governance, public policy and state capacity.

📚 Reading List :
  • Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Globalisation > The Concept of Globalisation > p. 104
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a community of persons perm..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Territorial definiteness and sovereignty
💡 The insight

Focuses on permanent, clearly demarcated territory and independent control as core to statehood.

Important for questions on nation-state, federalism, and geopolitics; helps distinguish historical polities from modern states and supports answers on boundary, sovereignty and reorganisation issues.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > State Reorganisation > p. 12
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Citizenship > CitizenshipCitizenship 6.4 CITIZEN AND NATION > p. 90
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a community of persons perm..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Constituents of the State
💡 The insight

A State is composed of territory, a politically organised population, an organised government and authority to make policies.

High-yield for polity questions asking definitions and components of the State; connects to topics like sovereignty, federal structure and constitutional law. Mastery enables clear answers on what makes an entity a State and distinguishes it from non-state actors.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 8: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES > Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties IJl > p. 119
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a politically organized peo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Functions/Roles of the State
💡 The insight

The State’s core functions include maintaining law and order, protecting from external aggression, and safeguarding citizens’ welfare and rights.

Frequently examined in questions on welfare state, duties of government, and rights protection; links to fundamental rights, public policy and historical normative theories (e.g., Kautilya). Understanding this helps answer comparative and normative questions on state responsibility.

📚 Reading List :
  • Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments > From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments > p. 185
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Citizenship > p. 80
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a politically organized peo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 State vs Government Distinction
💡 The insight

The State is a continuing political entity while the government is the administrative organ that may change.

Important for constitutional and administrative law questions (e.g., continuity of the State vs change of government, federal reorganisation powers). Clarifies many exam items about permanence, authority, and institutional change.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > FEDERALISM WITH A STRONG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT > p. 161
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a politically organized peo..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 State vs Nation distinction
💡 The insight

The query mixes institutional attributes (territory, organised government) with cultural-historical attributes (long co-residence, shared culture), which map to State and Nation respectively.

High-yield for polity and modern history questions: distinguishing state (legal-political entity) from nation (cultural/ethnic community) clarifies constitutional, federalism, and nationalism debates. Mastering this helps answer definitions, comparison, and nation-state formation questions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Democratic Politics-I. Political Science-Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: WORKING OF INSTITUTIONS > 4.4 THE JUDICIARY > p. 71
  • Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Nationalism > 7.3 NATIONAL SELF-DETERMINATION > p. 104
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "State" in political science defined as "a number of persons who hav..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The logical sibling is the definition of 'Nation'. While a State is political/legal (territory + sovereignty), a Nation is cultural/psychological (shared history, language, ethnicity). A future question might ask: 'Which element primarily distinguishes a State from a Nation?' Answer: Sovereignty (or coercive power).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Universal vs. Specific' filter. Option D requires an 'independent judiciary'—dictatorships are States but lack this. Option B requires 'protecting natural rights'—totalitarian regimes are States but don't do this. Option C implies 'culture/tradition'—this defines a Nation. Option A is the only 'technical minimum' that applies to ALL states (Democracies, Monarchies, Dictatorships alike).

🔗 Mains Connection

Connect this to International Relations (Mains GS2). Why is Palestine fighting for 'Statehood' at the UN? It has Population, Government, and Territory (disputed), but lacks 'External Sovereignty' (Independence). This definition is the legal basis for UN recognition.

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