Untitled Flashcards Set

Political Organization and Systems

Definition 

Unitary State

Unitary governments hold almost all authority. Very little power is given to the local government.

Federal State

Federal governments share political power with lower levels of government

Confederation

A union of sovereign groups or states, often formed for purposes of mutual defense or the promotion of common interests.

Supranationalism

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

International Organization

An alliance of two or more countries seeking cooperation with each other without giving up either's autonomy or self determination.

European Union (EU)

A political and economic union of 27 European countries that have chosen to cooperate closely in various areas, including trade, governance, and social policy.

Gerrymander

Redistricting that is unfair and gives an advantage to a particular political party by concentrating voting strength.

Reapportionment

Redistributing political representation.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that bring people together in a state.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that force people away from a state.

Political Unification Theory

The process of bringing together distinct political entities into a single, cohesive government or state.

Organic Theory (Ratzel)

A nation-state is similar to an organism in that both grow and expand to survive and prosper.

World-System Theory (Wallerstein)

Suggests that while the world economy is ever changing, there are three basic hierarchies of countries.

Heartland Theory (Mackinder)

Whoever controlled Eastern Europe which was believed to be the Heartland would control the world.

Rimland Theory (Spykman)

Posits that the coastal fringes of Eurasia, known as the rimland, are crucial to achieving political power and controlling global affairs.