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Which one of the following best defines the term ‘State’?
- A.A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government
- B.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
- C.A number of persons who have been living in a definite territory for a very long time with their own culture, tradition and government
- D.A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A. A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government
The definition of a State typically includes four essential elements: a population, a defined territory, a government, and sovereignty (independence from external control). Option A most accurately encompasses these core components, highlighting permanence of occupation, independence, and an organized government as key characteristics.
Source: UPSC gs1 2021