Attributes of the state

The nation-state has all the attributes of the State—population, territory, government and sovereignty. People comprising a nation become the sole source of legitimacy from which the State derives its legitimacy. This means that the State has legitimacy and acceptance of all the constituent groups within its boundary. Moreover, the territorial integrity of the State is unquestioned and there is a standing national defence force for its protection from any violation by an outside force. This territorial integrity also includes the regulation of the movement of trade, resources, people, cultural influences and economic transactions emanating from outside which have a bearing on the welfare and development of the nation-state. Furthermore, the government of the nation-state is considered as its sole representative in relation to other nation-states and supra-national organizations on the one hand and representing the interest of all other organizations and groups within its boundary on the other. Finally, sovereignty means the supremacy of the nation-state, both internally and externally.