The basic purpose of setting up a state is to ___________.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the basic (primary, fundamental) purpose of a state. The word "basic" points to the most essential function, the one on which all other functions depend.

Step 2: Explain the concept In Government, a state is a politically organized community with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and sovereignty. Political thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke argued that people came together to form states mainly to escape the insecurity of the "state of nature." In that condition there was no authority to settle disputes or protect life and property. The first duty of the state is therefore to maintain law and order, which means protecting lives and property and ensuring justice and security.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Maintain law and order: This is the fundamental reason for a state's existence. Without peace and security, nothing else can function. ✔
• B. Protect foreign interest: A state's priority is its own citizens and sovereignty, not foreign interests. ✘
• C. Promote development: This is an important function, but it is secondary and only possible once order exists. ✘
• D. Provide social facilities: Roads, schools, and hospitals are welfare functions that come after security is established. ✘

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. maintain law and order.

Tip: When you see "basic" or "primary" purpose of a state or government, think security, law and order first. Development and social amenities are secondary functions. A simple memory line is: "No peace, no progress."