Sovereignty refers to the

Analyze the question: The question asks for the definition of sovereignty, a core concept in Government (the study of the state and its attributes).

Explain the concept: Sovereignty is the supreme and ultimate authority of a state to make and enforce laws within its territory, free from external control. It has two sides:

• Internal sovereignty: the state has the highest authority over all persons and groups within its borders.
• External sovereignty: the state is independent of control by other states. Nigeria, for example, has been sovereign since 1 October 1960.

Key features: supremacy, absoluteness, permanence, indivisibility, and exclusiveness within its territory.

Evaluate the options:

• A. Supreme power to use force to enforce obedience: Force is only one instrument a state may use. It is not the definition of sovereignty, and a state's authority rests on legitimacy and law, not just coercion. Incomplete.
• B. Supreme power to negotiate with other states: Negotiation is part of diplomacy and foreign relations. It is something sovereign states do, not what sovereignty is.
• C. Supreme power to govern other nations: Wrong. Sovereignty is about authority over one's own territory and people. Governing other nations would be imperialism or colonialism, and it violates other states' sovereignty.
• D. Supreme power and authority of a state over its own affairs: Correct. It captures the supremacy and independence of the state in managing its internal and external matters.

Tip: For definition questions, look for the option that captures the whole concept rather than just one function or tool. Remember: Sovereignty = Supreme authority + Own affairs (independence). If an option mentions controlling other nations, it's almost certainly wrong.