When a state is subject to no other authority, it is said to be _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used when a state is under no other authority, meaning it answers to no higher power, internally or externally.

Step 2: Explain the concept In Government, sovereignty is the supreme and ultimate power of a state to make and enforce laws within its territory, free from outside control. Key features of sovereignty:

• Supreme: no higher authority exists above the state.
• Absolute and unlimited within its territory.
• Permanent: it continues even when governments change.
• Indivisible and exclusive: no other body shares it.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Powerful: A state can be strong in military or economic terms and still be controlled by another power. Strength does not mean independence.
• B. Legitimate: This means the government is accepted by the people as having the right to rule. It concerns acceptance, not freedom from other authority.
• C. Authoritative: This describes having recognised authority or expertise, not being free from outside authority.
• D. Sovereign: This describes a state with supreme authority and no external control, which matches the question exactly.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. sovereign.

Exam tip: Whenever you see "supreme," "no higher authority," or "independent of external control" in a Government question, think sovereignty. Remember: Sovereign = Supreme. Nigeria became a sovereign state on 1st October 1960 when it gained independence from Britain.