AP Human Geography : Influences of Boundaries

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Political Organization Of Space

What is the name for a border that separates both political entities and religious, linguistic, and ethnic groups?

Possible Answers:

National boundary

Territorial boundary

Topographical boundary

Episcopal boundary

Cultural boundary

Correct answer:

Cultural boundary

Explanation:

A cultural boundary is the geographical term for the border between two different ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. While these often fall along territorial, topographical, or national boundaries, they can be almost anywhere, and cultural boundaries are more likely to be shaped by historical forces rather than strictly geographical ones. An important cultural boundary is the line formed from the Alps and the Danube River, which divided Western Europe between the Latinized areas of the former Roman Empire and the German-influenced areas on the other side.

Example Question #1 : Influences Of Boundaries

Neighboring nations and states may become embroiled in boundary disputes. Which of the following disputes occurs over the right to resources?

Possible Answers:

Operational

Definitional

Locational

Commercial

Allocational

Correct answer:

Allocational

Explanation:

An allocational boundary dispute is a dispute over the right to resources. An allocational dispute arises from both natural resources, such as water from a common source, and commercial resources, such as oil from beneath bordering land.

Example Question #2 : Political Organization Of Space

Which of the following nations are considered stateless?

Possible Answers:

Croats

Czechs

Kurds

Bosnians

Slovaks

Correct answer:

Kurds

Explanation:

The Kurds do not have a state where they are the majority population. They are, therefore, a stateless nation. All other ethnic groups listed have their own states, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina respectively.

Example Question #1 : Territorial Dimensions Of Politics

If a boundary dispute between two countries is over which country has rights to a natural resource, what kind of dispute is it?

Possible Answers:

Operational dispute

Locational dispute

Definitional dispute

Allocational dispute

Correct answer:

Allocational dispute

Explanation:

A boundary dispute over the "allocation" or distribution of natural resources is an allocational dispute. A definitional dispute is a boundary dispute over the legal terms set forth, a locational dispute is a boundary dispute over the physical location, and an operational dispute is a boundary dispute over how the boundary ought to function.

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