Final answer:
A sovereign state must have a defined territory, a population, sovereignty, and a government to be recognized as independent. Sovereignty means the state can make its own policies and laws without external influence. The government is responsible for law enforcement and decision-making for its citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be a sovereign state, a territory must meet four criteria:
- A defined territory with recognized borders.
- A population that inhabits this land, irrespective of its size.
- Sovereignty, implying the authority to set both foreign and domestic policies independently of any external entity.
- A government responsible for creating and enforcing laws and public policies.
A sovereign state operates free from external control, wielding the power to manage its affairs, forming treaties, and engaging in diplomatic relations. The government of such a state possesses the recognized authority to legislate and govern the population on behalf of its citizens. Overall, these four characteristics work collectively to ensure a state's ability to maintain sovereignty and function as an independent actor within the international system.