Differences between state and society are as under: 

1. Difference related to system: 

State is a political system, whereas society is a social system. State is that instrument of society which establishes peace and harmony in the society. 

2. Difference of sovereignty: 

State always has sovereignty, whereas society does not have sovereignty. State can punish those who disobey the laws. 

3. Society is prior to state: 

Society is prior to state because man is a social animal. Then society brought state into existence. Thus, society is prior to state. 

4. Difference of Territory: 

Fixed territory is a must for state, whereas this is not necessary for society. 

5. Difference regarding government: 

It is compulsory for state to have an organised institution of government, but this is not necessary for society. 

6. Society is broader than state: 

State is related to political aspect only, whereas society is related to all the aspects of human life like economic, social, cultural, religious, political, physical, moral, emotional, intellectual and spiritual, etc.