The definition of state and illustration with the use of suitable examples with references?

A state is a politically organized community living under a single system of government. It is a sovereign entity with defined borders, a permanent population, and the ability to enter into relations with other states. States are the primary actors in the international system and are recognized as such by other states.

One example of a state is the United States of America. It has a defined territory, a permanent population of over 300 million people, and a government that exercises authority over its citizens. The United States is a sovereign entity that can enter into treaties and agreements with other countries, and is recognized as a state by the international community.

Another example of a state is Japan. It has a defined territory, a population of over 125 million people, and a government that exercises authority over its citizens. Japan is a sovereign entity that can enter into relations with other states and is recognized as a state by the international community.

Overall, states are essential actors in the international system and play a crucial role in shaping global politics and relations.

Definition of State:

A state is a sovereign political entity that exercises authority over a defined territory and its inhabitants. It possesses the following essential elements:

- Territory: A clearly defined geographical area within which the state exercises exclusive jurisdiction.
- Population: A permanent population residing within the territory under the authority of the state.
- Government: An organized entity that exercises effective control over the territory and population,制定 laws, and manages public affairs.

Characteristics of a State:

- Sovereignty: Supreme authority within the territory over internal and external matters.
- Exclusivity: No other political entity can claim authority over the same territory.
- Membership: All individuals residing within the territory are citizens or subjects of the state.
- Organization: A formal structure of governance, including legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Types of State:

There are various types of states based on different political systems, including:

- Unitary State: A state with a centralized government and no subnational divisions.
- Federal State: A state composed of several constituent units (e.g., provinces or states) that have some degree of autonomy.
- Confederation: A loose association of independent states that have limited powers.
- Empire: A state with a single ruler who exercises absolute authority over a vast territory.

Examples of States:

- United States of America: A federal republic with 50 constituent states.
- France: A unitary republic with a strong centralized government.
- China: A communist state with a vast territory and a single ruling party.
- Vatican City: A city-state that is the sovereign territory of the Holy See.

References:

- International Law Commission, "Definition of a State," United Nations, 1975.
- John L. Esposito, "What is a State?," in The Oxford Handbook of Islamic Law, Oxford University Press, 2013.
- Michael Mann, "Nation-States in History," Cornell University Press, 1995.