Step 1: Understand the concept of "State" in political science.
In political science, a State is a politically organized body of people occupying a definite territory and having an organized government with the power to make and enforce laws without external control (sovereignty).
Step 2: Recall the essential elements of a State.
According to widely accepted political theory, there are four essential elements or characteristics that constitute a State:
1.
Population: There must be a human population inhabiting the state.
2.
Territory: The state must have a defined geographical area or territory over which it exercises control.
3.
Government: There must be a political organization or machinery (government) to make and enforce laws, maintain order, and provide public services.
4.
Sovereignty: The state must possess supreme and independent authority (sovereignty) both internally (within its territory) and externally (free from foreign control).
Step 3: Determine the number of these essential elements.
There are four essential elements of a State: Population, Territory, Government, and Sovereignty.
This matches option (2).