What is meant by the term 'state' in a political context?

In a political context, the term 'state' refers to a structured political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a governing body, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. This definition encompasses the idea of a nation as an organized political community under one government, which is why the option pertaining to this notion is the correct choice.

A state is often distinguished from other political associations due to its ability to exercise sovereignty, which entails governing itself without external interference. This contrasts with the other options, which describe different forms of organization. For instance, a collection of cities does not necessarily indicate an organized government but rather multiple urban centers. Similarly, a federal region is a subdivision of a larger political union but does not encapsulate the full scope of what constitutes a state as an independent governing entity. Lastly, an informal group of citizens lacks the formal structure and recognized authority associated with a state.

Thus, option B effectively captures the comprehensive nature of a state as a political unit, outlining its organized society under a single governing authority, making it the accurate representation in this context.