A state has sovereignty when it is able to exercise supreme legal authority and control over its territory and population without interference from external forces. This means the state can govern itself, create and enforce laws, regulate political affairs, maintain order, and conduct international relations as an independent entity. Sovereignty also implies recognition by other states and the ability to control what happens within its borders both internally and externally.
In summary, a state has sovereignty when it can:
- Govern itself independently within its territory
- Make and enforce laws
- Control its population and territory
- Interact with other sovereign states as an equal
- Be free from external interference in its domestic affairs.
