State power: meaning, definitions and examples

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state power

 

[ steɪt ˈpaʊər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

government authority

State power refers to the authority and control that a government has over its citizens and territory. It includes the ability to make and enforce laws, collect taxes, maintain order, and provide public services.

Synonyms

control, government authority, sovereignty.

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Word Description / Examples
state power

This term is usually used to refer to the ultimate authority and force that a state can exercise over its territory and people. It can be used in political science, law, and discussions about the abilities and limits of state action.

  • The state's power was evident in its quick response to the emergency.
  • Reforms were aimed at reducing the over-concentration of state power.
government authority

This phrase pertains to the legal and formal power that government bodies possess. It is commonly used in discussions about laws, regulations, and the formal roles of different branches of government.

  • The government authority enacted new safety regulations.
  • Citizens must respect the government authority in place.
sovereignty

Sovereignty is used in discussions about a state's independence and right to govern itself without outside interference. It's a term often seen in international relations and discussions about national borders and autonomy.

  • The country fought to maintain its sovereignty.
  • Sovereignty is a key principle of international law.
control

Often used in a more general and everyday sense, 'control' can apply to any situation where influence or regulation is exerted over something or someone. In politics, it can refer to managing or directing policies, resources, or people.

  • The new regulation aims to control pollution levels.
  • The CEO has a lot of control over the company's decisions.

Examples of usage

  • State power is essential for the functioning of a modern society.
  • The president's exercise of state power is subject to checks and balances.
  • The balance of state power between the branches of government is crucial for democracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "state power" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poder estatal

🇮🇳 राज्य शक्ति

🇩🇪 Staatsmacht

🇮🇩 kekuasaan negara

🇺🇦 державна влада

🇵🇱 władza państwowa

🇯🇵 国家の力

🇫🇷 pouvoir d'État

🇪🇸 poder estatal

🇹🇷 devlet gücü

🇰🇷 국가 권력

🇸🇦 السلطة الدولة

🇨🇿 státní moc

🇸🇰 štátna moc

🇨🇳 国家权力

🇸🇮 državna moč

🇮🇸 ríksvald

🇰🇿 мемлекеттік билік

🇬🇪 სახელმწიფო ძალა

🇦🇿 dövlət gücü

🇲🇽 poder estatal

Etymology

The concept of state power has roots in ancient political philosophy, with thinkers like Plato and Aristotle discussing the role of the state in governing society. Throughout history, the balance of state power has been a central issue in the development of political systems, from monarchies to democracies. The idea of state power continues to be a key topic in political science and governance studies, influencing debates on the role and limits of government authority.