What does sovereignty allow a state to do?

Sovereignty is a fundamental principle in international relations and political science that refers to the authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently. When a state is sovereign, it possesses the power to control its territory without interference from external entities, meaning it can establish laws, regulations, and policies that suit its own interests and circumstances.

This autonomy is critical for a state’s legitimacy as it defines its ability to maintain order, represent its citizens, and engage with other nations on its own terms. It ensures that the state can operate within its borders free from outside influence, allowing for self-determination and the implementation of governance that reflects the will and needs of its population.

While determining the constitutionality of laws, forming alliances, and imposing taxes are important functions of a government, they do not encapsulate the concept of sovereignty as directly as the ability to govern free from external control does. Making sovereign decisions is what ultimately underpins these functions, allowing a state to engage in these actions as part of its governance.