What is a nation-state?
A) a heterogeneous cultural group with its own fully independent political territory
B) a homogeneous cultural group that possesses a homeland within a larger country
C) a relatively homogeneous cultural group with its own fully independent political territory
D) a heterogenous cultural group that possesses a homeland within a larger country
E) a country that has two or more states, for example, the U.S.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nation-state is a relatively homogeneous cultural group with its own fully independent political territory. This means that the majority of the population shares a common culture, history, and language, and that the state has clear defined borders and is recognized as an independent entity on the international stage. Examples of nation-states include countries such as Japan, Iceland, and Portugal.

Answer: D 
 While option A describes a cultural group that has its own territory, it is not necessarily fully independent. Option B describes a cultural group that possesses a homeland within a larger country, but it is not fully independent. Option C provides a good definition of a nation-state, but option D acknowledges that the cultural group may not be completely homogeneous, and may exist within a larger state. Examples of such nation-states may include the Basque people in Spain or the Kurds in Iraq. Option E is incorrect, as a nation-state is defined as a single, independent political entity, not one with multiple states.

What Is a Nation-State