State

government. This word ig used in various senses. In its most enlarged sense, it signifies a self-sufficient body of persons united together in one community for the defence of their rights, and to do right and justice to foreigners. In this sense, the state means the whole people united into one body politic, (q- v.); and the state, and the people of the state, are equivalent expressions.

1 Pet. Cond. Rep. 37 to 39; 3 Dall. 93; 2 Dall. 425; 2 Wilson’s Lect. 120; Dane’s Appx. § 50, p. 63..

In a more limited sense, word state expresses merely the positive or actual organization the legislative, executive, or judicial powers; thus the actual government of the state is designated by the name of the state; hence the expression, the state has passed such a law, or prohibited such an act. State also means the section of territory occupied by a state, as the state of Pennsylvania. Vide, generally, Mr. Madison’s report in the legislature of Virginia, January, 1800; 1 Story’s Com. on Const. § 208; 1 Kent, Com. 189, note b; Grotius, B. 1, c.

1, 8.14; Ib. B. 3, c. 3, s. 2; Bur- Jamaqui, vol. 2, pt. 1, c. 4, s. 9; Vattel, B. 1,c. 1; 1 Toull. n. 202, note (1); Nation; Cicer. de Repub. l. 1, 5. 25.