AP Human Geo Vocabulary: Master Unit 4 Terms & Definitions

Nation

A group of people who share a common culture, history, language, and identity, often with a desire for self-determination or statehood.

Nation-State

A sovereign state whose citizens predominantly belong to a single nation, with a strong alignment between political boundaries and the cultural group within.

Stateless Nation

A cultural group with a shared identity and desire for self-determination but lacking its own independent state.

Multinational State

A country with multiple distinct nations or cultural groups within its borders.

Autonomous Region

A defined area within a country that has a degree of self-governance and control over its own affairs, typically due to cultural or historical differences.

Semi-Autonomous Region

A region within a country that has limited self-governance and decision-making powers, often subject to the authority of the central government.

Sovereignty

The full and independent authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions without external interference.

Self-Determination

The right of a group, often a nation, to determine its political status, form of government, and economic system, often with the goal of achieving independence.

Independence Movements

Political efforts and actions aimed at achieving sovereignty and independence from colonial or imperial rule.

Colonialism

"The practice of acquiring, occupying, and controlling foreign territories and peoples for economic, political, and cultural purposes.

Imperialism

The policy of extending a nation's power and influence through diplomacy or military force, often involving the establishment of colonies.

Neocolonialism

The continued economic and political domination of formerly colonized regions by external powers, even after formal independence.

Territoriality

The attachment of individuals or groups to a specific territory or space, often resulting in the defense and control of that area.

Shatterbelt

A region where conflicting political, cultural, and economic interests result in instability and potential for conflict.

Choke Point

A narrow geographic passage, such as a strait or canal, where maritime traffic is funneled and often strategically significant.

Relic Boundary

A former political boundary that no longer serves any significant administrative or political purpose.

Superimposed Boundary

A political boundary forcibly placed on an area by outside powers, often disregarding existing cultural or ethnic divisions.

Subsequent Boundary

A political boundary that evolves and adjusts over time to accommodate changing cultural or political landscapes.

Antecedent Boundary

A political boundary that existed before the cultural landscape developed, often determined by physical features.

Geometric Boundary

A political boundary that is defined by straight lines or grid patterns, often without regard for natural or cultural features.

Consequent Boundary

A political boundary that is drawn to accommodate cultural or ethnic differences in an area.

Demilitarized Zone

A region where military forces and activities are prohibited or restricted, typically established to reduce tension between conflicting nations.

Maritime Boundary

A boundary that separates the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of coastal states.

Law of the Sea

A set of international agreements and regulations that govern the use and management of the world's oceans and seas.

Internal Boundary

A boundary that separates different administrative units or regions within a single country.

International Boundary

A boundary that separates two or more sovereign states or nations.

Voting Districts

Geographic areas used for the purpose of electing representatives, often at various levels of government.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing voting district boundaries to ensure roughly equal representation based on population changes.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of voting district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Federal State

A political system in which power is shared between a central government and regional or state governments.

Unitary State

A political system in which power is concentrated in a strong central government, with limited autonomy granted to regional or local governments.

Devolution

The transfer of certain powers from a central government to regional or local authorities.

Ethnic Separatism

The desire of an ethnic or cultural group to break away from a larger political entity and establish an independent state.

Ethnic Cleansing

The systematic and often violent removal of a particular ethnic or cultural group from a region or territory.

Terrorism

The use of violence and intimidation, often targeting civilians, for political or ideological purposes.

Irredentism

The political and cultural desire to reclaim territory that is believed to be rightfully part of one's nation.

Supranationalism

The cooperation and integration of multiple sovereign states into a larger political or economic entity, such as the European Union.

Economies of Scale

The cost advantages that result from increased production and efficiency.

Trade Aggreements

Formal agreements between countries to facilitate trade by reducing barriers and tariffs.

Ethnonationalism

A form of nationalism based on the shared ethnic, cultural, or linguistic identity of a group of people.

Cultural Cohesion

The degree to which members of a cultural group share common values, beliefs, and practices, contributing to social unity.