állam

An állam (state) is a political-legal unit defined by four elements: permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. In political science it denotes the organized authority that claims the monopoly on the legitimate use of force within its borders and exercises sovereignty over its territory. The term also distinguishes the state as a durable structure from a government, which is the current administration pursuing policy in a given period.

In Hungarian usage, állam refers to the national polity and the legal order of a country. The term is central to constitutional and political discourse, and is commonly contrasted with kormány (the government) or hatalom (power).

Core features include sovereignty, legitimacy, and capacity to enact and enforce laws. A state is expected to have a defined territory, a permanent population, and institutions that perform public administration, justice, security, and foreign relations. Modern states often rely on the rule of law and separation of powers to limit the authority of the government.

Forms of the state vary: unitary or federal organization, and different regime types such as parliamentary or presidential systems. These structural choices shape policy implementation and governance, but the essential attributes of the state—territory, population, government, and sovereignty—remain constant.

Internationally, states are typically recognized by other states and participate in international law and organizations. Statehood is associated with Montevideo Convention criteria: permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to engage in international relations; recognition by others reinforces legitimacy but is not legally absolute.