memberstate

A member state is a sovereign state that participates in a larger political union or organization as a participant with defined rights and obligations. The term is used in two main senses: within federations and in international organizations.

In federal states, member states are the federating units that retain substantial sovereignty and have their own governments, courts, and constitutions. They generally hold powers over areas such as education, policing, and local administration, while some powers are exercised by the central government. They may send representatives to a central legislature or participate in the federation’s decision-making bodies. Examples include the United States, Germany, Australia, and India; the exact terminology varies (states, Länder, provinces).

As an international member state, a sovereign state accepts binding obligations under the organization's rules. Admission typically requires consent and a treaty ratification. Membership grants rights such as participation in decision-making, voting, and access to benefits like trade rules, security cooperation, or development aid, while obligating the member to uphold the organization's norms. Membership can be suspended or terminated in accordance with the organization’s procedures. The United Nations is the prototype, while regional unions reflect a higher level of integration where member states pool some sovereignty.

In the European Union, member states have ceded some sovereign powers to EU institutions in exchange for access to the single market and common policies. Membership requires adherence to the EU treaties and obligations, including human rights standards. The union can sanction a member through mechanisms such as suspension of certain rights under Article 7 TEU, and a member can also withdraw under Article 50 TEU.