Political Science Module 4:
The State, Sovereignty, and Legitimacy

Module 4 explains the concepts of the state, sovereignty, and legitimacy, and shows why they are central to understanding political power. It defines the state as the larger political structure that governs a territory and population through institutions such as laws, courts, police, and military forces, while distinguishing it from the government, which is only the group currently running the state. The module also explains sovereignty as final authority, both inside a state and in relation to outside powers, and legitimacy as the belief that a government’s rule is rightful and should be accepted.

The module then shows what happens when authority weakens. It explains the difference between strong states, weak states, and failed states, focusing on whether a government can actually enforce laws, control territory, maintain order, and protect people. Overall, the module argues that political life depends on finding a balance: the state must be strong enough to govern effectively, but also limited enough to avoid oppression and abuse of power.