Introduction to Political Geography - AP Human Geography
- What is the definition of territorial waters?
- The area of sea around a country's coast recognized as under that country's jurisdiction. Typically extends 12 nautical miles from coastline.
- What is the definition of a unitary state?
- A state governed as a single entity with central authority. Examples include France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
- What is the definition of a compact state?
- A state with a roughly circular shape, where the distance from center to boundary is short. Promotes efficient communication and transportation.
- What is the heartland theory?
- A geopolitical concept that suggests control of Eastern Europe leads to control of the world. Developed by Halford Mackinder in early 20th century.
- What is a state in political geography?
- A political unit with a permanent population and defined territory. Must have sovereignty, government, and recognized boundaries.
- What is a shatterbelt?
- A region caught between stronger colliding external forces. Often experiences political instability and conflict.
- What is the difference between a nation and a state?
- A nation is a cultural entity; a state is a political entity. Nations share culture; states have political control over territory.
- What is a supranational organization?
- An entity composed of multiple countries that forgo some sovereignty for mutual benefit. Examples include the European Union and United Nations.
- What is a forward capital?
- A capital city relocated for economic or strategic reasons. Examples include BrasÃlia, Islamabad, and Astana.
- What is the definition of a boundary in political geography?
- An invisible line marking the extent of a state's territory. Separates one political unit from another.
- Identify the characteristics of a nation-state.
- A state whose territory corresponds to that occupied by a nation. Ideal match between political boundaries and cultural identity.
- What is the definition of a relic boundary?
- A boundary that no longer exists but has left a mark on the cultural landscape. Examples include the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain.
- What is a buffer state?
- A small neutral country situated between two larger hostile countries. Serves as a protective zone between rival powers.
- What is the Treaty of Westphalia known for?
- Establishing the concept of state sovereignty in 1648. Ended Thirty Years' War and established modern state system.
- Define the term 'stateless nation'.
- A nation lacking a sovereign state of its own. Examples include Kurds, Palestinians, and Basques.
- What is a multinational state?
- A state containing multiple nations within its borders. Examples include Canada, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
- What is the definition of colonialism?
- The policy of acquiring full or partial control over another country. Exploits resources and imposes political control over colonies.
- What is gerrymandering?
- The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain. Creates unfair electoral advantages for specific parties.
- What is a centripetal force in political geography?
- A force that unifies people and enhances support for a state. Promotes stability and strengthens national identity.
- What is a perforated state?
- A state that completely surrounds another state. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.
- What is the definition of political geography?
- The study of the spatial organization of political processes. Examines how politics and power are organized across space and place.
- What is sovereignty in political geography?
- The authority of a state to govern itself. Supreme power within a territory, free from external control.
- What is the definition of a federal state?
- A state with a division of power between central and local governments. Examples include the United States, Canada, and Germany.
- What is the concept of a nation-state?
- A state whose territorial extent coincides with that occupied by a distinct nation. Represents the ideal political-cultural alignment.
- What is the definition of a microstate?
- A very small sovereign state with a small population and area. Examples include Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino.
- What is a prorupted state?
- A compact state with a large projecting extension. Extension often contains valuable resources or strategic location.
- What is the definition of self-determination?
- The right of a nation to govern itself autonomously. Fundamental principle in international law and democracy.
- What is a landlocked state?
- A state without direct access to an ocean or sea. Must rely on neighbors for access to maritime trade.
- What is a centrifugal force in political geography?
- A force that divides people and countries. Creates instability and threatens national unity.
- What is a subsequent boundary?
- A boundary that evolves as the cultural landscape takes shape. Develops after settlement patterns are established.
- What is devolution in political geography?
- The transfer of power from central to regional governments. Can lead to increased autonomy or even independence movements.
- What is Balkanization?
- The fragmentation of a region into smaller, often hostile, units. Named after the fragmentation of the Balkan Peninsula.
- What is irredentism in political geography?
- A political movement to reclaim a lost homeland. Often leads to territorial disputes and conflicts.
- What is the definition of geopolitics?
- The study of the effects of geography on politics and relations. Geographic location influences political power and strategy.
- What is the definition of territoriality?
- The connection of people, their culture, and their economic systems to land. Creates emotional attachment and sense of belonging to place.