What characteristics do political geographers look for in order to determine if a territory is a state?

For a territory to be considered as a state it must have the following characteristics:
1. It must have boundaries that are known and recognized by others.
2. It must have a government who drives the affairs of the state.
3. It must be able to make decisions concerning its domestic and foreign policies; it must have sovereignty power.
4. The population of the state can be homogeneous or heterogeneous and it may be variable in size. 

Iwould say d. eye contact and body language because you aren’t using any spoken communication. hope this : )

The question to your answer is illinois amigo