AP Human Geography- Unit 4: Political Organization of Space!

What is a state, and what are its key features?

A state is a politically organized area with:

1. Permanent population.

2. Defined borders.

3. A government.

4. Sovereignty (self-governance).

What is the difference between a nation, nation-state, and stateless nation?

• Nation: A group with shared culture/history.

• Nation-State: A state with one dominant nation (e.g., Japan).

• Stateless Nation: A nation without its own state (e.g., Kurds).

What is sovereignty?

The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently.

Name the types of boundaries and what they mean.

• Defined: Established legally (e.g., treaty).

• Delimited: Shown on a map.

• Demarcated: Physically marked (e.g., walls).

What are the four types of boundary disputes?

1. Definitional: Over the wording of the boundary.

2. Locational: Over where the boundary is placed.

3. Operational: Over how the boundary should function.

4. Allocational: Over resources near the boundary.

What is the difference between a unitary state and a federal state?

• Unitary State: Centralized government holds most power (e.g., France).

• Federal State: Power shared between national and local governments (e.g., U.S.).

What are the five territorial morphologies (shapes of states)?

1. Compact: Efficient, circular (e.g., Poland).

2. Elongated: Long and narrow (e.g., Chile).

3. Fragmented: Disconnected pieces (e.g., Indonesia).

4. Perforated: Surrounds another state (e.g., South Africa).

5. Prorupted: Compact with an extension (e.g., Thailand).

What is Balkanization?

The breakup of a state into smaller, often conflicting states.
Example: Yugoslavia splitting into Serbia, Croatia, etc.

What are centripetal and centrifugal forces?

• Centripetal: Unite a state (e.g., shared language).

• Centrifugal: Divide a state (e.g., ethnic conflict).

What is supranationalism? Give an example.

When countries work together for a common goal. Example: European Union (EU).

What is devolution?

When regions within a state gain more autonomy or self-rule. Example: Scotland in the UK.

What is irredentism?

When a state tries to reclaim territory it believes belongs to its nation. Example: Russia and Crimea.