text: list the three essentials in the definition of a state? list the three essentials in the definition of a state the most important is sovereign (ruling) power. the second is population which submit to the sovereign power. the third is identity which differentiate one from the others. these are essentials for a state. if the state has a territiory (land) it is a popular state and if there is no territory, the state may be existing in exile.  this aspect is recognized in the modern concepts of politics.