Untitled Flashcards Set

Unitary State

A political system where nearly all authority is held by the central government, with very little power given to local governments.

Federal State

A political system where power is divided between a central government and lower levels of government.

Confederation

A union of sovereign groups or states formed for mutual defense or common interests.

Supranationalism

A form of governance or organization that transcends national boundaries, where countries collaborate to achieve shared objectives.

International Organization

An alliance of two or more countries that seek cooperation without sacrificing autonomy or self-determination.

European Union (EU)

A political and economic union of 27 European countries that cooperate in areas like trade and governance.

Gerrymander

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Reapportionment

The process of redistributing political representation based on changes in population.

Centripetal Forces

Factors that unite people within a state.

Centrifugal Forces

Factors that divide or push people away from a state.

Political Unification Theory

The theory describing the process of integrating distinct political entities into a single government or state.

Organic Theory (Ratzel)

The idea that a nation-state is like an organism, which grows and needs to expand to survive.

World-System Theory (Wallerstein)

A theory that divides the world into three categories of countries, reflecting their economic positions.

Heartland Theory (Mackinder)

The theory that controlling Eastern Europe (the Heartland) grants control over the world.

Rimland Theory (Spykman)

The theory that political power lies in the coastal areas of Eurasia, crucial for control over global affairs.