With fifty member states that retain their own rights, the United States is an example of a(n) __ state A. autocratic B. federal C. unitary D. theocratic Please select the best answer from the choices provided A B C D

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the type of state the United States is based on the given description. The United States is described as having fifty member states that retain their own rights. This description aligns with the definition of a federal state.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />A federal state is a type of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces. Each state or province in a federal state has its own rights and responsibilities, but they are all subject to the federal government's authority.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options provided, autocratic, unitary, and theocratic, do not fit the description of the United States. An autocratic state is characterized by a single person or group having absolute power. A unitary state is a state where the central government holds all the power, and the local governments are subordinate to it. A theocratic state is a state where the government is based on religious law.