Difference between State and other Associations are:

(i) All the associations, includuing even the state, consist of the people.

(ii) The membership of a state is compulsory for the people while the membership of an association is voluntary.

(iii) A person is a member of one state at one time but he or she cannot be a member of more than one state at the same time. On the other hand, a person may be a member of numerous associations at the same time.

(iv) All associations function without fixed territory. But the territory of a state has to be fixed (Definite) while the other associations do not have fixed or definite or a permanent territory.

(v) All associations (including the state) exist to perform and achieve certain ends. While for the state the purpose is always general (maintenance laws and order for example); for the other association, generally, the purpose is particular or specific, for example the cricket association exist for playing cricket, specific particular purpose.

(vi) The character of the state of national. On the other hand, the character of other association may be local, provincial, national and even international. For example UNO is an international organisation, the Indian National Congress is a political party. The RWA (Residents, Welfare Association) local in character.

(vii) The other association differ from the state so far as they are not sovereign while the state is. The state is sovereign because it is supreme over all other associations and is independent of all other states.