The main attributes of a state are

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the main attributes (essential characteristics) of a state. In Government, a "state" is a political entity, and it must have certain features before it is recognized as one.

Step 2: Explain the concept Political scientists agree that a state has four essential elements:

1. Population: a group of people who live in the state (citizens and residents).
2. Territory: a defined geographical area with recognized boundaries.
3. Government: the machinery that makes and enforces laws and runs the state's affairs.
4. Sovereignty: supreme authority, meaning the state is not controlled by any outside power (internal and external independence).

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Government, the police and the armed forces: these are institutions or agencies of the state, not its defining attributes.
• B. Population, territory, government and sovereignty: this matches the four attributes exactly.
• C. Federal, state and local governments: these are levels of government in a federal system, not attributes of a state.
• D. The press, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary: the press is not an organ of government, and the other three are arms of government, not attributes of a state.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: Remember P-T-G-S: Population, Territory, Government, Sovereignty. Whenever a question asks about the "elements," "features," or "attributes" of a state, look for the option that contains all four. Be careful not to confuse these with the arms of government (legislature, executive, judiciary), which is a common JAMB distractor.