The state as a legal phenomenon has a set ofdistinctive features that separate it from other socio-cultural entities. These characteristics in the legal science were called "signs of the state." Lawyers have different points of view on the composition of such traits, however, they all sing out the main and secondary characteristics. The main (they are mandatory) signs of the state make it possible to distinguish it among other associations of people. Secondary features isolate the country from the total mass of their own kind. So, consider them.

Obligatory signs of the state.

Formation of the state from the tribal community was due to giving it special features. They are territory, population, sovereignty and public authority.

Population (people). This is the first and main characteristic. This statement comes from the very definition of the state. In the absence of the people, other distinctive features of the state can not be determined. At the same time, it is worth remembering that the population can not be confined to any strict framework, such as: racial, sexual, national, professional, religious. In the case when this happens, you should talk about a nation, a trade union, or the like. The unification of the population in the state is built on a common goal, formulated in the form of an unconditionally executed rule (law).

Territory. In the pre-state period, people, as a rule,grouped and migrated as the food supplies in a certain area were depleted. With the emergence of the state, the same associations established a conventionally fixed halo of habitat, fixing its borders both on land and water areas, and in airspace. Within the territory of the state there are unified laws that are binding for the entire population.

Sovereignty. This feature is characterized by the fact thatterritory of the state all the fullness of power is exercised only by the population of the given country. The same applies to the representation of their interests in international relations.

Public authority. In tribal communities, decisions about destinyThe tribe was accepted on the general council by all members of the group. In the state, the people delegate their representative rights to manage the state to certain individuals. They can be elected or appointed. Public power is characterized by the presence of an authorized administrative apparatus, functioning on the basis of legitimacy.

Thus, the main distinctive features ofsigns of the state are the people (population), territory, sovereignty and public authority. But it should be remembered that similar features can also be enjoyed by state-like entities. Therefore, an additional list of characteristics is necessary, isolating it among the communities of people.

Secondary signs of the state.

The first of these features is existence of a system of law. People living in a certain territory, establish their generally binding rules, for the failure of which follows punishment.

The second sign is the existence of a tax system, the purpose of which is to finance the activities of the state, its authorities and social programs.

The third characteristic is the formation ofand the functioning in the state of special bodies that ensure the implementation of generally binding rules of conduct, which is the system of law. This attribute should also be attributed to the presence of the army, whose responsibility is to preserve the integrity of the state within the framework of the assigned territory.

The fourth feature is the presence of distinctive symbols of the state - a coat of arms, a flag and a hymn.

It is worth noting that, despite all itsvariety, signs of the state must correspond to a special "bundle" - state + law. This statement is based on the fact that the people, which in fact is the cornerstone of the country, can not function without a clearly defined framework of behavior, which become laws, legal customs, by-laws, judicial precedents, etc. Legal experts, as a rule, distinguish this provision in a special feature, not relating it to either basic or secondary.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the signsstates are special characteristics that make it possible to single out a special community of people among others like it. They are important, because. compliance with them means the possibility of recognizing the state as such at the international level.

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