Nation-state

Definition

A society characterized by an allegiance to a constitution or legal code

The Constitution of the United States (US Archives)
Constitution of the United States (US Archives)

Origins

England, 1215-1689 CE

Historic Characteristics

AuthorityA constitution or legal code
PopulationHundreds-of-thousands to hundreds-of-millions
TerritoryThousands to hundreds-of-thousands of square miles
CompositionMulti-ethnic and multilingual groups
Social stratificationVaries
CapabilityContinuous infrastructure development

Modern Versions

  • Republics
  • Constitutional monarchies
  • Dictatorships
  • Communist dictatorships