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BA Political Science Honours, Constitutional Government, Difference Between State and Sovereignty, External Sovereignty, Harold Laski Pluralism, Internal Sovereignty, Jean Bodin Sovereignty, John Austin Sovereignty, Legal Sovereignty, Meaning of Sovereignty, NEP 2020 Political Science, Odisha University Political Science, Political Science Semester 1 Notes, Political Science Study Material., Political Theory Notes, Popular Sovereignty, Sovereignty Political Science Notes, State and Sovereignty, State Political Science Notes, Types of Sovereignty
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State and Sovereignty – Complete Notes for +3 Political Science Honours (NEP 2020)
Title: State and Sovereignty | +3 Political Science Honours (NEP 2020) Complete Notes
eSikhya : Learn State and Sovereignty for +3 Political Science Honours (NEP 2020). Complete notes on meaning, definitions, characteristics, types, theories, importance, limitations, and differences.
State and Sovereignty
The concepts of State and Sovereignty are the foundation of Political Science. A State cannot exist without sovereignty, and sovereignty cannot exist without a State. Sovereignty gives the State the supreme legal and political authority to govern its people, make laws, maintain order, and protect national independence.
The study of State and Sovereignty is one of the most important topics in Political Theory because it explains how governments exercise authority and how modern democratic states function. Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, students are encouraged to understand sovereignty not only from the traditional perspective but also in the context of globalization, constitutionalism, democracy, and international relations.
This article provides complete notes on the meaning, origin, characteristics, types, theories, limitations, and importance of sovereignty.
What is the State?
A State is a politically organized community of people living within a definite territory under a government that possesses sovereignty.
Definition of the State
Garner defines the State as:
“A community of persons more or less numerous, permanently occupying a definite territory, independent of external control, and possessing an organized government.”
Essential Elements of the State
Every State has four essential elements:
- Population – The people living in the State.
- Territory – A definite geographical area.
- Government – The organization that administers the State.
- Sovereignty – The supreme authority of the State.
Among these, sovereignty is the distinguishing feature that separates a State from all other political organizations.
Meaning of Sovereignty
The word Sovereignty is derived from the Latin word Superanus, meaning supreme or highest authority.
Sovereignty refers to the supreme and final power of the State to govern its territory and people without interference from any external authority.
In simple words:
Sovereignty means the highest legal and political authority possessed by the State.
Without sovereignty, a political organization cannot be called a State.
Definitions of Sovereignty
Jean Bodin
Jean Bodin, known as the Father of the Theory of Sovereignty, defined sovereignty as:
“The absolute and perpetual power of the State.”
He argued that sovereignty is permanent, indivisible, and supreme.
John Austin
John Austin explained sovereignty as:
“The supreme power exercised by a determinate human superior who receives habitual obedience from the people but does not habitually obey any other human superior.”
Austin emphasized the legal and absolute nature of sovereignty.
Harold Laski
Harold Laski criticized the absolute theory of sovereignty. According to him:
No authority in modern society is completely unlimited because power is shared among different institutions and is restricted by law, public opinion, and democratic principles.
A.V. Dicey
Dicey distinguished between:
- Legal Sovereignty
- Political Sovereignty
He argued that while Parliament may possess legal sovereignty, the people ultimately hold political sovereignty in a democracy.
Characteristics of Sovereignty
1. Supremacy
Sovereignty is the highest authority within the territory of the State.
No individual or institution is legally superior to it.
2. Permanence
Governments may change after elections, but sovereignty remains with the State.
3. Universality
Every individual and institution within the territory is subject to the authority of the State unless exempted by law.
4. Inalienability
Sovereignty cannot be permanently transferred to another State.
A sovereign State may sign treaties but does not lose its sovereign status.
5. Indivisibility
Traditional theorists believed sovereignty cannot be divided.
However, modern federal systems distribute governmental powers while sovereignty remains constitutionally recognized.
6. Exclusiveness
Only one sovereign authority exists within a particular territory.
No rival authority can legally exercise equal power.
Types of Sovereignty
1. Internal Sovereignty
Internal sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of the State over all individuals and institutions within its territory.
Examples:
- Making laws
- Maintaining law and order
- Administering justice
- Collecting taxes
2. External Sovereignty
External sovereignty means freedom from foreign control.
A sovereign State independently conducts:
- Foreign policy
- International agreements
- National defence
- Diplomatic relations
3. Legal Sovereignty
Legal sovereignty is the authority recognized by law to make binding legislation.
In India, Parliament exercises legislative authority within the limits of the Constitution.
4. Political Sovereignty
Political sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people.
Citizens influence government through:
- Elections
- Public opinion
- Civil society
- Peaceful protests
5. Popular Sovereignty
Popular sovereignty means that all political power originates from the people.
This principle is fundamental to democratic governments.
6. De Facto and De Jure Sovereignty
De Facto Sovereignty
Power exercised in practice, even without full legal recognition.
De Jure Sovereignty
Power exercised according to constitutional and legal authority.
Theories of Sovereignty
1. Monistic Theory
This theory holds that sovereignty is:
- Absolute
- Indivisible
- Unlimited
Supporters
- Jean Bodin
- Thomas Hobbes
- John Austin
2. Pluralistic Theory
Pluralists argue that sovereignty is shared among various social institutions.
Supporters
- Harold Laski
- G.D.H. Cole
- J.N. Figgis
According to this theory:
- Family
- Religious organizations
- Trade unions
- Local governments
also possess important authority.
Limitations of Sovereignty
Although sovereignty is supreme, it is not unlimited in the modern world.
It is restricted by:
1. Constitution
Governments must function according to constitutional provisions.
2. Rule of Law
State authorities are bound by legal procedures.
3. Fundamental Rights
Governments cannot violate constitutional rights arbitrarily.
4. Public Opinion
Democratic governments remain accountable to citizens.
5. International Law
States are expected to respect international treaties and obligations.
6. Globalization
Economic cooperation, trade agreements, and international organizations influence national decision-making.
State and Sovereignty in India
India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, as declared in the Preamble to the Constitution of India.
Sovereignty in India means:
- India is independent from foreign domination.
- Parliament and constitutional institutions exercise authority according to the Constitution.
- Citizens elect their representatives through democratic elections.
- The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
Difference Between State and Sovereignty
| Basis | State | Sovereignty |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Political organization | Supreme authority of the State |
| Nature | Institution | Power or authority |
| Elements | Population, Territory, Government, Sovereignty | One essential element of the State |
| Existence | Concrete political organization | Abstract political concept |
| Function | Governs society | Gives the State supreme authority |
Importance of Sovereignty
Sovereignty is essential because it:
- Protects national independence.
- Maintains law and order.
- Enables governments to make laws.
- Ensures political stability.
- Safeguards territorial integrity.
- Promotes democratic governance.
- Facilitates international recognition.
- Strengthens constitutional government.
State and Sovereignty under NEP 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes constitutional values, democratic participation, ethical leadership, critical thinking, and global citizenship.
Understanding sovereignty helps students analyze:
- Constitutional governance
- Federalism
- Democracy
- Human rights
- International relations
- Public administration
- Global politics
Examination-Oriented Key Points
- Sovereignty is the supreme authority of the State.
- The word sovereignty comes from the Latin word Superanus.
- Jean Bodin is called the Father of the Theory of Sovereignty.
- John Austin supported the Monistic Theory.
- Harold Laski was a leading Pluralist thinker.
- Sovereignty may be Internal or External.
- Democracy is based on the principle of Popular Sovereignty.
- The Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a Sovereign Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is sovereignty in Political Science?
Sovereignty is the supreme legal and political authority of the State to govern its territory and people independently.
Q2. Who is known as the Father of the Theory of Sovereignty?
Jean Bodin is regarded as the Father of the Theory of Sovereignty.
Q3. What are the two main types of sovereignty?
The two principal types are Internal Sovereignty and External Sovereignty.
Q4. What is the difference between legal and political sovereignty?
Legal sovereignty refers to the authority recognized by law to make binding legislation, whereas political sovereignty ultimately rests with the people in a democratic system.
Q5. Why is sovereignty important?
Sovereignty enables the State to govern independently, maintain law and order, protect national integrity, make laws, and represent itself in international affairs.
Conclusion
The State and Sovereignty are inseparable concepts in Political Science. While the State provides the institutional framework for governance, sovereignty gives it the supreme authority to govern independently and effectively. Classical thinkers such as Jean Bodin and John Austin viewed sovereignty as absolute and indivisible, whereas modern pluralist thinkers like Harold Laski emphasized that state authority is balanced by constitutional limits, democratic institutions, and social organizations. In today’s interconnected world, sovereignty continues to evolve under the influence of constitutionalism, globalization, and international law, while remaining a defining feature of every independent State. For +3 Political Science Honours (NEP 2020) students, understanding State and Sovereignty is essential for analyzing democracy, constitutional government, federalism, public administration, and international relations.
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