The word is also used to describe an independent [[country]] (for example, the State of [[Israel]]), or a part of a [[federal]] country which has its own legislative powers defined in a [[constitution]]. Two examples of countries consisting of several states are the [[United States of America]] and [[Australia]]. | The word is also used to describe an independent [[country]] (for example, the State of [[Israel]]), or a part of a [[federal]] country which has its own legislative powers defined in a [[constitution]]. Two examples of countries consisting of several states are the [[United States of America]] and [[Australia]]. |