Explanation
- A
A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government
People + territory + government + sovereignty (independent of external control). The textbook four-element State.
- 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
Adds natural rights and sustenance — a political-theory overlay, not the spare definition.
- 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
Culture and tradition without sovereignty.
- D
A society permanently living in a definite territory with a central authority, an executive responsible to the central authority and an independent judiciary
Requires an independent judiciary — a liberal constitution, not every State.
Summary. Official key is (a). In political science a State is a permanent community on a definite territory, with an organised government, independent of external control. Extra talk of natural rights or an independent judiciary is not that definition.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q40 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of the administration. Statement-II: Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term 'efficiency of administration'. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? -
2022 · Q11 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed. 2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves. 3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt. 4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2020 · Q13 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The Constitution of India defines its structure in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. 2. The Constitution of India provides for 'Judicial review' to safeguard the citizens' liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is are correct? -
2019 · Q46 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of Indian cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehaviour' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India. 3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two- thirds of total members of that House present and voting Which of the statements given above is/are correct?