World Geography and Political-Economic Systems Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering geography climate factors, biomes, and economic/political ideologies from the lecture notes.

Windward side

The side of a mountain that typically receives more rainfall.

Human environmental modification

Actions taken by humans to alter their physical surroundings, such as cutting steps into mountains for farming.

Moderating effect of oceans

The climate effect that allows coastal towns to experience stable temperatures with less extreme changes throughout the year compared to inland areas.

Lapse rate (Elevation temperature drop)

The temperature decrease of approximately $3.5\,^\circ\text{F}$ that occurs with every $1{,}000\,\text{feet}$ increase in elevation.

Temperate Zone

The latitude zone characterized by distinct warm summers, cool winters, and clear seasonal changes.

Earth's tilt

The axial inclination of the Earth that influences seasonal climate variations across different regions.

Tundra

A biome characterized by low temperatures and permafrost conditions.

Desert

A biome characterized by low precipitation and high temperatures.

Savanna/Grassland

A biome characterized by seasonal precipitation and warm temperatures.

Forest

A biome characterized by moderate precipitation and varied temperatures.

Communism

A political and economic theory derived from Karl Marx where the government owns all businesses and farms and provides healthcare, education, and welfare to its citizens.

Socialism

An economic ideology where the government owns many larger industries and provides health, education, and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices.

Capitalism

A free-market economy where people own their own businesses and property and must purchase private services such as healthcare.

Dictatorship

A political ideology featuring rule by a single unelected leader who may use force to maintain control.

Feudalism

An economic ideology in which peasants and vassals serve a powerful lord who protects them and manages their economic needs.

Democracy

A system of government elected by the people where everyone eligible to vote has a say in who runs the country.

Constitutional Monarchy

A political system where an elected parliament and a monarch as head of state rule together under the law.

Oligarchy

A form of government consisting of rule by an elite group acting in their own self-interest, particularly for the accumulation of wealth and privilege.

Theocracy

A form of government where rulers claim to rule on behalf of a set of religious ideas or as direct agents of a deity.

Republic

A political system led by representatives of the voters who are individually chosen for a set period of time.