The state in sociology refers to a political apparatus or organised structure of rule that governs a specific territory and its population, characterised by its authority, which is generally backed by law, and its capacity to use force to maintain order and enforce its policies. It typically includes governmental institutions such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as the civil service officials who administer state functions. A key feature of the state is its claim to sovereignty over the territory and its citizens, meaning it asserts the ultimate authority within its borders, often recognised by other states in the international system. The state plays a crucial role in establishing and enforcing laws, providing public services, regulating the economy, and defending its territory and interests, often relying on a monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within its boundaries to ensure compliance and maintain social order.