Which of these is an attribute of government?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is an attribute of government, not an attribute of a state. Students often confuse the two.

2. Explain the concept

• Attributes (characteristics) of a state: definite territory, population, sovereignty, and government.
• Attributes (characteristics) of government: the features that make government what it is, namely: • Political power/authority: the ability to make laws and enforce them. • Legitimacy • Machinery for making, applying and interpreting laws (legislature, executive, judiciary) • Ability to enforce obedience

3. Step-by-step solution

• B. Sovereignty: this is an attribute of the state. The state holds supreme authority, and government only exercises it on the state's behalf. ✗
• D. Definite territory: this is an essential element of a state, not of government. ✗
• C. Constitution: it is a set of rules guiding government, but it is a source of authority and a framework, not an attribute of government itself. Some states, like Britain, have unwritten constitutions. ✗
• A. Political power: government is defined by its possession and use of political power to make and enforce decisions for society. ✓

4. Answer The correct option is A. Political Power.

5. Exam tip When you see "attribute of a state", think PTSG: Population, Territory, Sovereignty, Government. If sovereignty or territory appears and the question asks about government, it is probably a distractor. Government is tied to power and authority.