Which one of the following best defines the term ‘State’?

Correct Answer: A community of persons permanently occupying a definite territory independent of external control and possessing an organized government

Explanation:

In political science, a State is classically defined by four essential constituent elements:

1. Population: A community of persons living together.
2. Territory: A definite, defined geographical area where the population permanently resides.
3. Government: An organized agency or political organization through which the will of the state is formulated, expressed, and executed.
4. Sovereignty (Supreme Authority / Independence): Freedom from external control (external sovereignty) and supreme authority over its own territory and people (internal sovereignty).

Option A is the most accurate and comprehensive definition of a 'State' because it incorporates all four essential elements: population ("community of persons"), territory ("permanently occupying a definite territory"), sovereignty ("independent of external control"), and government ("possessing an organized government").