A part-sovereign state is a country that lacks full independence as some of its powers are under the control of another political body. Consequently, it cannot autonomously make all decisions regarding its interactions with other countries. Conversely, a sovereign state is a fully independent country that has the authority to make all decisions without being subject to control by another political entity.
A part-sovereign state refers to a political community where certain powers of external sovereignty are exercised by the domestic government, while others are controlled by another political entity. This implies that the state lacks full independence as it is restricted in its freedom to act in external affairs. For instance, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and therefore a part-sovereign state. Although it has its own government and some decision-making autonomy, it remains under the authority of the US government in various aspects. Similarly, Scotland is a part-sovereign state within the United Kingdom. Despite having its own government and the ability to make certain independent decisions, it is still subject to the UK government’s jurisdiction in many areas. These examples exemplify the concept of a part-sovereign state, as they possess their own governments and limited decision-making capabilities, yet are ultimately subordinate to another political body. Consequently, they lack complete independence and are not entirely free to act in external affairs.
A part-sovereign state is a political entity that possesses some degree of sovereignty but is not fully independent. It may have limited control over its internal affairs but is subject to the authority of a larger governing body.
A part-sovereign state differs from a fully sovereign state in terms of the extent of its autonomy and authority. While a fully sovereign state has complete control over its internal and external affairs, a part-sovereign state has some level of dependence on a higher governing authority.
Examples of part-sovereign states include autonomous regions within a country, such as Hong Kong in China or Scotland in the United Kingdom. These regions have their own governments and some degree of self-governance but are still ultimately under the authority of the central government.
The powers of a part-sovereign state vary depending on the specific arrangement with the higher governing authority. Generally, they have the ability to make decisions on certain internal matters, such as education, healthcare, and local governance, but their authority may be limited in areas like defence, foreign policy, and constitutional matters.
The ability of a part-sovereign state to secede from the larger governing body depends on the legal framework and constitutional provisions in place. In some cases, secession may be allowed through a peaceful and negotiated process, while in others, it may be prohibited or require significant legal and political hurdles to overcome.
Disputes between a part-sovereign state and the central government are typically resolved through negotiation, mediation, or legal processes. The specific mechanisms for dispute resolution may be outlined in the constitution or established through legislation or agreements between the parties involved.
The ability of a part-sovereign state to enter into international agreements or have its own foreign policy depends on the extent of its autonomy and the specific arrangements with the higher governing authority. In some cases, part-sovereign states may have limited capacity to engage in international relations, while in others, they may have more freedom to do so.
Laws and regulations in a part-sovereign state are typically enforced through a combination of local law enforcement agencies and the oversight of the central government. The specific enforcement mechanisms may vary depending on the legal framework and the division of powers between the part-sovereign state and the central government.
Part-sovereign states may have their own legal systems to handle matters within their jurisdiction. However, the extent of their legal autonomy may be limited, and they may still be subject to the overarching legal framework of the larger governing body.
The dissolution or absorption of a part-sovereign state into the larger governing body depends on the legal and political processes in place. In some cases, a part-sovereign state may voluntarily choose to dissolve or merge with the central government, while in others, it may require constitutional amendments or significant political changes.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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