AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions Chapter 2 State

Students must practice these AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 2nd Lesson State to boost their exam preparation.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 2nd Lesson State

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.
Define State and explain its essential elements.
Answer:
The term state was first used by an Italian political thinker by name Machiavelli in 16th century in his famous book ‘The Prince’. The word State is used synonymously with ‘Nation’ and government to denote collective action.

Definitions: The term State has been defined by many political thinkers in different ways. They are:

1. Garner: “State is a community of persons, more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite portion of territory, independent (or nearly so) of external control and possessing an organized government to which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience.”

2. Harlod J.Laski: “State is a territorial society divided into government and subjects claiming within its allotted physical area, a supremacy over all other institutions.”

3. Woodrow Wilson: “State is a people organized for law within a definitie territory.”

Essential Elements of the State: The above definitions reveal that the state has four essential elements. They are:

Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty.

They may be explained as follows:

1) Population:
The State is an organised human association. Population is its first and foremost element. No State can exist and survive without the people, as there must be some to rule and others to be ruled. A desert where human beings do not live is not regarded as a State.

Political thinkers expressed different opinions in regard to the size of the population of a State. For Plato, the ideal State should not comprise more than 5040 people. Rousseau, the French philosopher, viewed 10,000 inhabitants as the ideal population. However, in modern times, the maximum and minimum size of population has not been prescribed.

According to the recent census, State like China and India have more than 120 crores of population each. On the other hand, Vatican City having 839 people and Nauru having 9,945 remain as independent States in the world. There is no such hard rule as to the exact number of people required to make a State. On the whole, the population of a State must be large enough to preserve the independence and sovereignty and to exploit its natural resources. It must be small enough to be well governed. Regarding the quality of people Aristotle rightly said that good citizens make a good State.

2) Territory:
Territory or a fixed geographical area is the second essential element of the State. Territory denotes geographical area of the State. It is owned and controlled by a government which exercises sovereign power. It encompasses that portion of earth’s surface which is the exclusive possession and control of the State.

The State requires a fixed territory, with clear demarcated boundaries for exercising undisputed authority. Territory is its “material basis”. Territory of a State comprises : i) Land, mountains, rivers and lakes within its frontiers, ii) Territorial waters extending up to 12 nautical miles into the sea from the coast and iii) Terrestrial space lying above its land.

Like population, there are no limitations for the territory of a State. It may vary from a few square miles as in the case of Monacco and few million square miles as in the case of the United States. In the modern world small States as well as big States exist. From the administrative point of view small States are always better than big States. But from the defence point of view, they are not good.

3) Government:
The State must possess an organized government. Government is the machinery through which the State exercises its supreme power. It constitutes the brain and heart of the State. Government is indeed an indispensable machinery by means of which the State maintains its existence, carries on its functions and realises its polices and objectives. It may be noted that a community of persons does not form a State unless it is organized by an established government. Without government, there can be no civilised body like State. Prof. Garner says “Without government the population would be an illogical, unorganized and anarchic mass with no means of collective action.”

Government is the executive branch of the State. It is essential for administering political, economic, social and cultural affairs.

Government comprises three organs – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Their respective functions are legislation, administration and adjudication of laws. The particular form of government depends upon the nature of the State which in turn depends upon the political habits and character of the people.

4) Sovereignty:
Sovereignty is the fourth essential element of the State. It is this element that distinguishes the State from other associations. Sovereignty denotes the supreme and final coercive authority beyond which no further coercive power exists. It is the supreme power or ultimate authority of the State.

Sovereignty has two aspects – internal and external. Internal aspect of sovereignty relates to the supreme authority of the State over all individuals and associations within its geographical sphere. External sovereignty denotes the freedom of the State from foreign control. The State will have final and absolute authority. It is independent of foreign control. No external authority can limit its power.

Question 2.
In what aspects do State and Government differ from each other? Explain.
Answer:
State and Government differ from each other as mentioned below.

State

State has four elements, namely, population, territory, government and sovereignty.
State is a permanent organisation. It continues in existence irrespective of the changes in the political conditions in the country. It continues forever.
State is a comprehensive organi-sation. It includes all individuals – ruled and rulers. All people living in a State come under its jurisdication.
State is a natural institution. It existed since the beginning of social life.
State is an abstract organisation. It cannot be seen.
State possesses sovereignty. Its authority is absolute and unlimited. It cannot be taken away by others.
People are not entitled to revolt against the State.
State is considered as the master as it issues orders to the government.
All States are identical in nature. Whether big or small, they have the same characteristics. They are universal in nature.
Membership of State is compulsory. No one is exempted from its membership.
The authority of State is absolute and original.

Government

Government is one of the essential elements of the State. It is the main agency of the State.
Government is a temporarty organisation. It changes frequently through periodical elections or revolutions. Political conditions will have a great impact upon the formation, continuation and survival of the government.
Government is a limited organisation. It consists of only few members and administrative officers who make and implement laws.
Government is man-made. The rise and fall of governments has been a part of history.
Government is concrete and definite. It is a physical manifestation. It carries on several activities on behalf of the State.
Government possesses no such power. It will have only derivative powers delegated by the State through the Constitution.
People can remove an inefficient or dishonest government. They have the right to oppose and criticize the policies and programmes of the government.
Government is viewed as the servant of the State. It symbolizes the power of the state. It is always subordinate and loyal to the State.
Governments are’ not identical. They differ from State to State.
Membership in government is optional. There is no compulsion in having its membership.
The powers of the government are limited and delegated.

Question 3.
Explain the relationship and differences between State and Society.
Answer:
Relationship between state and society:
The relationship between state and society may be explained as follows. They are:

1. Common Features:
State and Society have some common features which include practically the same persons in the most cases. For ex: a vast majority of the members of a society may be included in the same state.

2. Complementary:
State and Society go hand in hand. They help each other. Social progress depends upon the progress of the state.

3. Synonymous:
State and Society were considered as the one and the same in the past. The Greek philosophers viewed the city States and Society as synonymous.

4. Interrelated:
State and Society are interrelated to each other. State regulates the external behaviour of the individuals living in the society through laws. Society nourishes the state with economic, cultural, and religious and humanitarian activities.

Differences between State and Society

State

State is a political organization.
State regulates only the external relation of men in society. State formulates rules in this regard.
State possesses the power of compulsion. Disobedience to its laws is followed by punishment.
State derives its strength mainly from laws.
State is a territorial organisation. It has a well defined territory of its own. Territoriality is its distinguishing feature.
State alone has sovereignty. It operates through the instruments of compulsion and coercion. It uses force to implement its laws and policies.
State is not a natural organisation. It is an artifical institution. Its membership is compulsory for individuals.
State is an important part of society. It refers only to the politically organised portion of society.

Society

Society is a social organization.
Society controls both internal and external activities of the individual. Society regulates all forms of social conduct.
Society does not enjoy the power of compulsion. Disobedience to its principles is not followed by any physical punishment.
Society derives its strength from customs, conventions and traditions.
Society is not confined to any geographical area. It has no territorial jurisdiction. Society may be broader or narrower than the State.
Society does not possess sovereignty. It is supported by social customs, conventions and morality. It has no coercive power.
Society is a voluntary and natural organisation. Individuals acquire its membership on discretionary basis.
Society is wider than the State. Society is the complex of social relations formed and developed through various groups and associations.

Question 4.
Describe the relationship and differences between State and Association.
Answer:
Relationship between State and Association:
The relationship between State and Association may be explained as follows:

1. Same Membership:
Both the State and other associations consist of a group of same human beings. So the same individuals remain members of both the State and associations.

2. Common Interests:
Both are created and organized for the pursuit of an interest or a group of interests. Promotion of common interests is the moving force behind all forms of associations including the State.

3. Organization:
Both are characterized by organizations and a well-knit framework for realizing their objectives. Both regulate the activities of members. Both view cooperation as the basis among the members.

4. Code of conduct:
Both have a code of conduct denoting some rules and regulations. The code of conduct keeps the members together. It ensures stability to the organization.

5. Executive:
Every State will have an executive agency. Such agency is none other than the Government. Similarly every association will have an executive council for implementing its decisions.

Differences between State and Association

State

Membership in a State is compulsory.
State is permanent.
State strives for the welfare and progress of all the people.
State is a geographical organization. It has definite boundaries.
State is a sovereign body.
Citizens show obedience to one State at a time. They enjoy membership only in one State at a particular time.
The scope of State is wide.
State can intervene in the affairs of the associations.
State is superior to the associations.
Citizens shall be obedient to the State.
All states in the world shall have the same characteristics.
State exercises its authority by coercion and through laws.
State can use force over the people for maintaining law and order.

Association

Membership in associations is voluntary.
Association may be temporary or permanent.
Associations are meant for realising the interests of the members only.
Associations will not have specific boundaries.
Associations lack sovereignty.
Citizens can join in as many associations as they desire at a time.
The scope of associations is limited.
Associations can’t interfere in the affairs of the State.
Associations are inferior to the State.
Citizens may disagree or disobey the rules and regulations depending upon the context and necessity.
Associations differ in their composition, nature, aims and objectives.
Associations continue their activities not by coercion but through the co-operation of the members.
Associations carry on their functions only through mutual agreement.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Explain any two essential elements of the State. [May.2022, Mar. 19, 18, 17, 16; May. 17, 16; Mar. 17 -A.P: Mar. 15 -T.S]
Answer:
1. Population:
The state is an organised human association. Population is its first and foremost element. No State can exist and survive without the people, as there must be some to rule and others to be ruled. A desert where human beings do not live is not regarded as a State.

According to the recent census, States like China and India have more than 120 crores of population each. On the other hand, Vatican City having 839 people and Nauru having 9,945 remain as independent States in the world. There is no such hard rule as to the exact number of people required to make a State. On the whole, the population of a State must be large enough to preserve the independence and sovereignty and to exploit its natural resources. It must be small enough to be well governed. Regarding the quality of people Aristotle rightly said that good citizens make a good State.

2. Territory:
Territory or a fixed geographical area is the second essential element of the State. Territory denotes geographical area of the State. It is owned and controlled by a government which exercises sovereign power. It encompasses that portion of earth’s surface which is the exclusive possession and control of the State.

The State requires a fixed territory, with clear demarcated boundaries for exercising undisputed authority. Territory is its “material basis”. Territory of a State comprises : i) Land, mountains, rivers and lakes within its frontiers, ii) Territorial waters extending upto 12 nautical miles into the sea from the coast and iii) Terrestrial space lying above its land.

Question 2.
What are the other elements of State? [Sep. 2021, March. 2020,15]
Answer:
The other elements of State can be explained as follows:
i) International Recognition:
International Recognition is also considered as an other element of the state because the sovereignty of a state becomes more significant and familiar when it is recognised by other states. Since, securing membership in the U.N.O is considered as a part of this aspect.

ii) Permanence:
State is a permanent institution. Since ancient period, people led their lives and carried on their activities under one or the other form of State. The permanence of a State cannot be eliminated. If the State surrenders to the other States during war or aggression, it loses its significance but not the feature of permanence.

iii) General obedience:
General obedience implies the supreme power of the State over all the individuals and institutions within its territorial limits. The State commands obedience over its subjects and associations within its limits. Such obedience to State power is binding on the people and groups within a State. No person or association can deny the power or authority of the State.

iv) Popular will:
Willoughby stated that the will of the people is an important element of the State. State continues to exist as long as it is supported by the majority of the people. The strong desire for protecting the State against invasions and internal revolutions is compulsory for the continuation of the State.

Question 3.
What do you know about Government and Sovereignty as the two essential elements of the State? [March. 2016]
Answer:
Government and Sovereignty are two essential elements of the state. They may be explained as follows:

1. Government:
The State must possess an organized government. Government is the machinery through which the State exercises its supreme power. It constitutes the brain and heart of the State. Government is indeed an indispensable machinery by means of which the State maintains its existence, carries on its functions and realises its policies and objectives. It may be noted that a community of persons does not form a State unless it is organized by an established government. Without government, there can be no civilised body like State. Prof. Garner says “Without government the population would be an illogical, unorganized and anarchic mass with no means of collective action.”

Government is the executive branch of the State. It is essential for administering political, economic, social and cultural affairs.

2. Sovereignty:
Sovereignty is the fourth essential element of the State. It is this element that distinguishes the State from other associations. Sovereignty denotes the supreme and final coercive authority beyond which no further coercive power exists. It is the supreme power or ultimate authority of the State.

Question 4.
Describe the relationship between State and Society.
Answer:
Relationship between state and society: The relationship between State and Society may be explained as follows. They are:

2. Complementary:
State and Society go hand in hand. They help each other. Social progress depends upon the progress of the state.

3. Synonymous:
State and Society were considered as the one and the same in the past. The Greek philosphers viewed the city States and Society as synonymous.

Question 5.
Point out the differences between State and Society. [Mar. 19,15: May. 17,16 -A.P.]
Answer:
Differences between state and society:

State

State is a political organization.
State regulates only the external relation of men in society. State formulates rules in this regard.
State possesses the power of compulsion. Disobedience to its laws is followed by punishment.
State derives its strength mainly from laws.
State is a territorial organisation. It has a well defined territory of its own. Territoriality is its distinguishing feature.

Society

Society is a social organization.
Society controls both internal and external activities of the individual. Society regulates all forms of social conduct.
Society does not enjoy the power of compulsion. Disobedience to its principles is not followed by any physical punishment.
Society derives its strength from customs, conventions and traditions.
Society is not confined to any geographical area. It has no territorial jurisdiction. Society may be broader or narrower than the State.

Question 6.
What is the relationship between State and Association?
Answer:
Relationship between State and Association: The relationship between State and Association may be explained as follows.

1. Same Membership:
Both the State and other associations consist of a group of same human beings. So the same individuals remain members of both the State and associations.

4. Code of conduct:
Both have a code of conduct denoting some rules and regulations. The code of conduct keeps the members together. It ensures stability to the organization.

5. Executive:
Every State will have an executive agency. Such agency is none other than the Government. Similarly, every association will have an executive council for implementing its decisions.

Question 7.
Mention the differences between State and Association. [March. 2020,15]
Answer:
The differences between State and Association may be explained as follows:

State

Membership in a State is compulsory.
State is permanent.
State strives for the welfare and progress of all the people.
State is a geographical organization. It has definite boundaries.
State is a sovereign body.
Citizens show obedience to one State at a time. They enjoy membership only in one State at a particular time.

Association

Membership in associations is voluntary.
Association may be temporary or permanent.
Associations are meant for realising the interests of the members only.
Associations will not have specific boundaries.
Associations lack sovereignty.
Citizens can join in as many associations as they desire at a time.

Question 8.
In what way are State and Government related?
Answer:
The relationship between State and Government may be explained as follows:

1. Both are established by individuals:
State and Government are two important organisations established by individuals. The two came into existence for protecting the people and for regulating the conditions between them. Both were established for promoting the interests of the people in various spheres.

2. Complementary:
State is the government for all practical purposes. Government carries on its activities in the name of the State. Whatever Government does, it does in the name of the State. The Stuart Kings in England and Louis XIV in France viewed the State and Government as complementary.

3. The will of the State expressed by the government:
Government is an important element of State. The collective will of the State is expressed and implemented through Government. Government plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the State. Therefore government is described as the ‘brain of State’. Laws which reflect the will of the State are formulated and given effect only by the government.

Question 9.
Distinguish between State and Government. [May 2022, Sep. 2021, Mar. 2018, Mar. 17-A.P; Mar.16]
Answer:
State

State has four elements, namely, population, territory, government and sovereignty.
State is a permanent organisation. It continues in existence irrespective of the changes in the political conditions in the country. It continues forever.
State is a comprehensive organisation. It includes all individuals – ruled and rulers. All people living in a State come under its jurisdication.
State is a natural institution. It existed since the beginning of social life.
State is an abstract organisation. It cannot be seen.

Government

Government is one of the essential elements of the State. It is the main agency of the State.
Government is a temporarty organisation. It changes frequently through periodical elections or revolutions. Political conditions will have a great impact upon the formation, continuation and survival of the government.
Government is a limited organisation. It consists of only few members and administrative officers who make and implement laws.
Government is man-made. The rise and fall of governments has been a part of history.
Government is concrete and definite. It is a physical manifestation. It carries on several activities on behalf of the State.

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.
Mention any two definitions of State.
Answer:
“State is a people organised by law within a definite portion of territory.” – Woodrow Wilson “State is a territorial society divided into government and subjects, claiming within its allotted physical area a supremacy over other associations.” – H.J. Laski

Question 2.
How many essential elements does the State possess ? What are they?
Answer:
State possesses four essential elements. They are:

Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty.

Question 3.
What do you mean by ‘Government’?
Answer:
Government is an agency through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed and realised. Government is an important organ of the State and it has three organs –

the legislature
the executive and the third one is the judiciary.

Question 4.
How many other elements does the State possess? Name them.
Answer:
State possesses four other elements. They are:

International recognition
Permanence
General obedience
Popular will

Question 5.
What do you understand by ‘Society’? (OR) What do you know about ‘Society’?
Answer:
A society is defined as collective life of human groups. Society is prior to the state. Society does not require any territory. It may be organised or unorganised. Society does not possess any governmental agency to enforce its authority.

Question 6.
What do you mean by ‘Association’?
Answer:
Associations are those human groups formed for the fulfillment and personality development. Human beings formed into a society for fulfilling various needs. Where as an association is formed to achieve a specific objective Qr a few small objectives. State is also an association.

Question 7.
Write about the qualitative aspect of the population of a State.
Answer:
The qualitative aspect of the population is more important for a state. Aristotle rightly said that good citizens make a good state. If the people are committed, disciplined, hard working, honest and intelligent, then the state achieves rapid progress.

Question 8.
Does a State require international recognition?
Answer:
Yes, every independent state requires international recognition, because the soverignty of a state becomes more significant and familiar when it is recognised by other states. Since, securing membership in the UNO is considered as a part of this aspect.

Question 9.
Name the four elements of the State.
Answer:

Population
Territory
Government
Sovereignty.

Question 10.
Mention any two differences between State and Society.
Answer:

State came into existence after the origin of society. Whereas society is prior to the state. It existed even before the prevalence of political organisation.
State possesses territory. It is rather an essential element of the state. Whereas society does not require any territory. Society may be national or international.

Question 11.
Write about any two differences between State and Government.
Answer:

State is a permanent political institution. Whereas government is a temporary political institution. It may be changed by elections or revolution.
State has four essential elements, namely population, territory, government and sovereignty. Government is one of the four elements of the state.

Question 12.
How many organs of Government are there ? Explain their functions briefly.
Answer:
The government possesses three organs. They are

The Legislature: It makes laws required for the people of the State.
The Executive: It executes the laws made by the legislature.
The Judiciary: It settles all the disputes in between the legislature and executive besides providing justice to the people of the State.

Question 13.
Mention any two differences between State and Association.
Answer:

The membership in the State is compulsory. The members must be obedient to the State and pay taxes. Whereas the membership in the Association is optioned (Not compulsory)
State is permanent whereas Association is temporary.

AP Inter 1st Year Civics Important Questions 2nd Lesson State

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