Herman Finer, a prominent political scientist, posited that the classification of constitutions into 'written' and 'unwritten' is not absolute. He argued that even written constitutions rely on unwritten conventions for their operation, while unwritten constitutions often contain written elements. Therefore, he suggested that the difference is one of degree, reflecting how much of the constitutional framework is codified versus how much is based on practice and tradition.

In traditional legal theory, the state is viewed as the source of law and rights; therefore, it is often argued that individuals cannot claim rights against the state itself, as the state is the entity that grants and enforces those rights. This concept is linked to the idea of state sovereignty, where the state holds ultimate authority within its territory.

While critics of private property often cite class division, greed, and the erosion of cooperation as primary defects, political instability is not inherently or universally linked to the existence of private property. Many stable democratic states are built upon the foundation of private property rights. Therefore, listing political instability as a primary defect of private property is considered inaccurate in standard political discourse.

Every government, regardless of its ideological basis or structure, operates under some set of rules that define the exercise of authority. Whether these rules are codified in a formal document or exist as a set of established practices and norms, they constitute the 'constitution' of that state. Therefore, a constitution is a universal necessity for any organized political entity to maintain order and define the scope of governance.

Johann Kaspar Bluntschli was a prominent jurist and political scientist who viewed the state as an organic entity with a moral purpose. He argued that the state has a role that extends beyond its borders, contributing to the broader development and destiny of humanity, reflecting a 19th-century perspective on the state's place in international history.

In political theory, the state has compulsory functions (essential for survival and sovereignty) and optional functions (aimed at social welfare). Maintaining diplomatic relations is a fundamental, compulsory function necessary for the state's recognition and security in the international system, whereas education and postal services are generally considered welfare-oriented, optional functions.

The definition provided is attributed to Anderson and Parker in their sociological studies. While Max Weber is famous for defining the state by its monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force, the specific phrasing provided in the options is credited to Anderson and Parker.

Sovereignty is the defining attribute of a state, signifying its supreme authority. Internally, it means the state has ultimate jurisdiction over all individuals and associations within its territory. Externally, it means the state is independent, equal to other states, and free from the control or interference of any foreign power, making it the final authority in both spheres.

The state is defined as a political association because its primary purpose is the exercise of sovereign power, the maintenance of order, and the administration of justice within a defined territory. While it interacts with social and economic spheres, its fundamental nature is distinguished by its monopoly on the legitimate use of force and its role as the supreme authority in political life.

External sovereignty, often referred to as independence, signifies that a state is not subject to the authority of any other state or external power. It implies that the state has the autonomy to conduct its own foreign policy, enter into treaties, and manage its internal affairs without being dictated to by outside actors. It is the foundation of the Westphalian system of sovereign states.