Final answer:
A state is a form of social and political organization with a formal, central government and a society divided into classes, characterized by a hierarchy of authority and centralized control over a defined territory.
Step-by-step explanation:
A state is a form of social and political organization that has a formal, central government and division of society into classes. Over the course of history, various types of political organizations have emerged, including bands, tribes, chiefdoms, and states, with states being characterized by centralized leadership and bureaucratic structures. State societies can be defined as large, stratified, multiethnic societies with a highly centralized leadership, bureaucracies, systems of social control, and military forces exerting exclusive control over a defined territory.
These formal organizations are often characterized by a hierarchy of authority, a clear division of labor, explicit rules, and impersonality. Social stratification creates a system where members of society are placed into different classes based on aspects like wealth, power, or prestige. Within these societies, political institutions such as legislatures, executive branches, and judiciaries are established to structure relationships among members and inform how they should interact.