In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given description. A state or situation where there is no effective government or control.

Introduction / Context:
This one word substitute question deals with a political and social concept. The description is “A state where there is no effective government.” You must choose the single term that captures the idea of absence of government or authority. Such words are important in discussions about law and order, political systems and social unrest.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The key idea is lack of effective government or control.
• The word must refer to a state or situation, not a person.
• The options given are Secular, Democracy, Governance and Anarchy.
• Each of these terms has a distinct meaning in political science.

Concept / Approach:
We need to recall the precise meanings of the given terms. “Secular” describes the separation of religion from state matters. “Democracy” is a form of government by the people. “Governance” refers to the act or manner of governing. “Anarchy” refers to the absence of government or authority. Matching these definitions with the idea of “no effective government” will give the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider “Secular”. It describes a state that is neutral with respect to religion and does not favour any religious group. It does not mean lack of government, so it is not correct here. Step 2: Consider “Democracy”. It is a system where power ultimately rests with the people, usually through elected representatives. This indicates a particular form of government, not absence of government. Step 3: Consider “Governance”. This term refers to the process, rules and quality of governing. It is the activity of exercising authority, not the absence of it. Step 4: “Anarchy” is the term that denotes a condition without government or law, or where government authority is not effective. It is sometimes associated with disorder and chaos due to lack of control.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare each term with the phrase “no effective government”. Only Anarchy directly matches, as it describes a situation where governing structures either do not exist or have collapsed, leading to absence of law enforcement and stable authority. The other options all involve some form of organised governing or a particular characteristic of the state.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Secular is about religion and state, not about the existence of government itself. Democracy is a type of government, the opposite of no government. Governance is the process of managing and running a state, so it presupposes that a government exists. None of these express the idea of government being absent or ineffective.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse “Democracy” and “Anarchy” because both may be used in political debates about freedom, but they are very different. Another mistake is to misunderstand “Secular” as meaning free from all control instead of free from religious control. To avoid such errors, always link key terms to their core definitions.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for a state where there is no effective government is Anarchy, so the correct option is Anarchy.