3 C. Characteristics (the classical seven — with modern qualifications)

CharacteristicClassical claimModern qualificationPermanenceSovereignty lasts as long as the state✓ survives changes of governmentIndivisibilityCannot be shared without being destroyedfederalism divides powers , not sovereignty (but the EU genuinely pools it)UniversalityExtends to all persons and things in the territorydiplomats, immunities, human rightsInalienabilityThe state cannot surrender ittreaties bind by consent — pacta sunt servanda (but withdrawal/exit exists)AbsolutenessLegally unlimitedconstitutions, judicial review, international law limit the government, if not the "sovereign"OriginalityNot derived from any other powerpopular sovereignty: derived from the peopleImprescriptibilityCannot lapse by disusefailed states show it can collapse in fact