At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- say the meaning a state as a country
- say the relationship between a state and a government
- mention the features or elements that make a state what it is
- and finally, say the function that is expected of a state for his inhabitant
What is a state?
A state is an organized body of people who are living permanently in a defined geographical boundary with a sovereign government controlling the helm of affairs and seeing to the general good of the citizens.
In another way, a state can be defined as a group of people with a legitimate government established that is given total control over its territory without external interference whatsoever.
You should note that the usage of a state in our context here does not refer to sub-components of a country, like Lagos, Imo, etc we are however referring to independent territories like Nigeria, Britain, Togo, etc.
The Relationship between a state and government
Without the existence of a state, there can’t be a legitimate government, since a state gives birth to the government. In the same vein, without a government that must be empowered to control human and natural resources in a state, the state will likely go into extinction as there will be a continual flow of lawlessness and lack of order.
Important features of a state
If a state must be, then it must have these basic elements:
Comprehensive authority:
A recognized state must have the power to impose sanctions within its boundaries that can’t be hindered by external interference. For example, Nigeria, during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari closed Nigeria’s borders against rice importation from neighboring territories. That is an authority.
Complete sovereignty:
A state is an independent sovereign entity that is duly recognized by other states too. It has legal control over its affairs and can exercise its will within its jurisdictions at will.
Government:
Another important feature of a state revolves around the establishment of a government of its own. The government must be able to make and execute laws for the state, irrespective of its form and system.
In other words, whether the power of the government is vested in some persons or institutions, it has complete authority over the citizens. There will be a complete lawlessness in a state that has no government in place. Anarchy will be order of the day.
Territory:
A state can’t be in existence without a spelled-out territory that is recognized internationally for its boundaries. Hence, one major characteristic of a state is its possession of a defined geographical territory.
Definite population:
A state has citizens who have the right of membership of the state, and are distinct from aliens. The citizens are usually encouraged to embrace a sense of nationalism that helps the state flourish. In other words, citizens should be patriotic and loyal to the cause of their state.
Functions of a state
For every legitimate state to flourish, it must have in place structures to ensure:
Maintenance of law and order:
A state’s well-being will be greatly threatened if there is a breakdown in law and order, as this may lead to anarchy and various types of security issues. Hence, a state must put in place structures, including an accepted government, that enforce decisions that translate into adherence to law and order within its territories.
The government then will become the machinery that would carry out the fundamental things that help the state flourish continually. The government utilizes its power and the resources of the state to develop and sustain a stable economy where there are great economic opportunities for everyone, ensuring adequate provision of employment opportunities, etc.
Protection of lives and properties:
The state is for the people residing within its boundaries. Therefore, citizens must be guaranteed the protection of their lives and properties at all times by the government that is in charge of the administration of the state. There must be frameworks in place to ensure this is a continuous reality, such as the establishment of police, courts, etc.
Basic social amenities:
A state is meant to be devoted to the promotion of the well-being of its citizens. One of the core ways this can be a reality is through the provision of basic social amenities that make life easier and sweeter in their respective communities.
Usually, every member of a state is entitled to the resources of the land. Hence, the recognized representatives of the people, via the instrumentality of government, must coordinate the resources of the state for the prosperity of the people.
Safeguarding fundamental human rights:
A state is responsible for the safeguarding of the fundamental human rights of its members at all times, and must use its powers to stop anything that threatens the fundamental human rights of anyone within its boundaries.
Maintaining relations with other states:
A state cannot thrive in isolation but must have a good relationship with some other states. For instance, Nigeria has a lot of bilateral relationships with many countries within Africa and other countries around the world.
The relationship of Nigeria with the United States, makes it possible for the U.S. government to agree to sell military ammunition to the Nigeria’s military.
In other hands, the strained relationship between the U.S. and the North Korea can not make the U.S government sell ammunition to the North Korea.
Likely questions
- What do you understand by a state in the context of a country?
- Mention and explain the elements of state
- Explain the importance of maintaining a good relationship with other country
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