Final answer:
The term for a state that derives its legitimacy from representing the nation's interests and values is national identity. Legitimacy, particularly in democratic societies like the United States, comes from popular sovereignty, where elected officials hold power through the people's consent. Sovereignty refers to a state's independent authority, essential for international recognition and diplomacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a state that derives its legitimacy from the claim that it expresses the interests and values of the nation it governs is national identity. Political scientist Benedict Anderson discusses how states cultivate a sense of peoplehood among their citizens by engaging in various practices aimed at solidifying this identity. Such practices include elections, censuses, and the implementation of national symbols like flags and anthems. The media also plays a critical role in sustaining the national identity by continuously drawing the citizens' attention to the state's activities.
Legitimacy is a central concept in understanding the power of the state, wherein a legitimate authority is viewed as being true to the rules that govern society. In democratic systems, this legitimacy often stems from popular sovereignty, which is the government's authority based on the consent of the governed. Accordingly, in the United States, power and authority are entrusted to elected officials by the people, as per the social contract established in the United States Constitution.
Sovereignty, meanwhile, is the term that describes a state's independent authority and the mutual recognition of this authority by other states. When discussing the relationships between states, recognizing a state's sovereignty entails acknowledging its legitimacy to govern itself without external interference. This concept is inherent in the international relations between states and is a fundamental aspect of global diplomacy.