The State has been envisaged from various points of views. Theorists conceive and define the state in terms of their own science.

The Idealistic Theory of the State is sometimes called the Absolute Theory, sometimes the Philosophical Theory and often the Metaphysical Theory. It is called the Absolute Theory because it gives absolute power to the state.

Like nationality the term "nation" is also derived from the common word "Natus" which commonly connotes the idea of birth or race. A number of definitions of the term "nation" have been given by various political thinkers. Here we quote a few of them.

These two terms (State and Nation) have very often been confused and inter-changeably used and employed even by the eminent political thinkers.

Common residence, common territory or Geographical unity is a basic factor which helps to promote the national feelings or the feelings of nationality. It is "very usual accomplishment of nationality but it is by no means either essential or universal".