ap human unit 4 vocab

bijan

political geography

the study of the spatial distribution of political processes and the effects of politics on the Earth's surface.

administered boundary

a type of boundary that is maintained and enforced by a governing authority, often marked by military presence or checkpoints.

antecedent boundary

A boundary that was established before the area was populated. It usually reflects the physical features of the landscape.

choke point

a strategic narrow passage or route that can be easily controlled for economic or military advantage.

consequent boundary

a boundary created based on specific cultural or ethnic groups, often reflecting social or political divisions.

demilitarized zone

An area in which military forces are prohibited, typically established to reduce tensions between conflicting parties.

failed state

A country with weak governance, often unable to provide basic services, maintain order, or protect its citizens, leading to internal conflict and instability.

maritime boundaries

boundaries that define the limits of a state's jurisdiction over oceanic areas, including territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.

relic boundary

A boundary that no longer functions but still holds significance due to its historical impact on cultural or political divisions.

subsequent boundaries

boundary line established after n area has been settled that considers the social and cultural characteristics of an area

superimposed boundaries

boundary line drawn in an area ignoring the existing cultural patterns

east/west divide

geographic separation between the largely democratic and free market countries of western europe and the americas from the communist west europe and asia.

north/south divide

economic division between the wealthy countries of europe, north america and japan from the poorer countries of asia, africa, and latin america.

african union

organization of african states to promote economic development, political stability, and increased cooperation.

artic council

organization of 8 artic states that addresses issues faced by artic governments and native people of the artic.

association of SE asian nations

political and economic union of 10 members that promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.

shatterbelt

area of instability between regions with opposing political and/or cultural values.

confederation

form of international organization that brings autonomous nations together for a common purpose.

irredentism

the doctrine that a region should be controlled by a country that they have cultural ties to.

supernational organization

organization of 3 or more states.

european union

organization of european countries promoting free trade

NAFTA

agreement between canada, U.S., and mexico promoting free trade

NATO

organization created to form a military alliance between western, democratic countries.

OPEC

organization whose members all produce and export oil.

united nations

global supernational organization established to foster international security and cooperation.

enclave

country completely surrounded by another country’s territory.

exclave

bounded territory that is part of particular state, but is separated by the territory of a different state.

exclusive economic zones

area of coastal water which owning country claims exclusive rights for fishing, drilling, etc.

law of the sea

law establishing states’ rights and responsibilities concerning ownership and use of oceans.

military alliances

agreement where two or more countries agree to provide military support to each other

electoral college

a certain number of electors from each state that proportionately represent that states’ population.

popular vote

tally of each person’s vote within a geographic area.

reapportionment

process of reallocation of electoral seats to defined territories.

redistricting

the drawing pf ew electoral district boundary lines in response to population changes.

voting districts

geographical area which is represented by a seat or numerous seats in a legislative body.