4.5 Internal Boundaries

Federal system

A type of governance where power is divided between a central authority and various regional entities, allowing states or provinces to have their own governments.

Unitary system

A governance structure where most of the power is held by the central government, and regional authorities have limited autonomy.

Devolution

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

Political boundaries

Lines that define the limits of governmental authority and jurisdiction, separating different political entities.

Authoritarianism

A governing system characterized by concentration of power in a leader or an elite not resulting from free elections.

Federalism

A political system in which power is shared between a national government and various regional governments.

Regional autonomy

The ability of a region to govern itself and make decisions independently from the central government.

Centrifugal forces

Factors that tend to divide or destabilize a state, undermining its unity.

Centripetal forces

Factors that promote unity and stability within a state, fostering cohesion among its population.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself and make its own laws without interference from outside sources.