The form of the state: a new look at the three-element approach

The article considers the scientific category «the form of the state». The aim is to improve the theoretical approach to its understanding. Definitions of this concept are given and classification systems are given. The advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to this issue are highlighted. Research methodology: general philosophical methods of scientific research, general logical and theoretical general scientific methods of scientific research, the method of empirical comparison. A conclusion is formed about the advantages of an approach that considers the form of the state as a combination of three elements in the form of a form of government, a state structure and a political regime. These elements broadly reveal the main features, signs and sides of the state in its diversity. The author's view on the improvement of theoretical approaches to understanding the form of the state with the allocation of separate components: legal and political. It is proposed to consider the forms of government and the state structure as a legal component, and the state regime as a political one.