Final answer:
The characteristics of a state are a population, territory with known and recognized boundaries, sovereignty, and a functioning government; Option A: Population & Sovereignty is the answer that includes two of these characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of a state include a population, territory with known and recognized boundaries, sovereignty, and a functioning government. Hence, the correct answer that includes two characteristics of a state would be option A: Population & Sovereignty. The population refers to the people residing within the state's territory, which can vary in size without influencing whether the region is recognized as a state. A territory refers to land with established and known boundaries. Sovereignty means that a state has the power to decide its own foreign and domestic policies autonomously, without external intervention. Finally, a government consists of institutions and individuals with the authority to make and enforce laws and decisions for the citizens of the state.