When to capitalize "state":
* As a proper noun: If you're referring to a specific state, like "California" or "New York", you capitalize it. This is because "California" and "New York" are unique names.
When not to capitalize "state":
* As a common noun: If you're using "state" generically to refer to a political entity, you don't capitalize it. For example: "The state government passed a new law."
Examples:
* Capitalized: "I live in the state of California."
* Not capitalized: "The United States is made up of 50 states."
In short, capitalize "state" only when it's part of a specific state's name.