Unit 4 Chapters 2-3
Key Terms to Know
State Formation – The creation of a political entity with sovereignty.
Devolution – Transfer of power to regional governments.
Gerrymandering – Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.
Territoriality – The connection of people to a specific land.
Compact State – A small, centralized state.
Elongated State – A long and narrow state.
Hard Power vs. Soft Power – Military vs. cultural influence.
1. Political Processes
A. Definition
Political processes refer to the ways in which governments, political institutions, and citizens interact to create policies, establish control, and maintain territorial integrity.
B. Key Political Processes
State Formation – The development of a political entity with sovereignty.
Example: The unification of Germany in 1871.
Devolution – The transfer of power from a central government to regional governments.
Example: Scotland gaining its own parliament within the UK.
Gerrymandering – The manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a political party.
Example: Drawing district lines to concentrate opposition votes.
Redistricting – The redrawing of electoral district boundaries based on population changes.
Occurs after a census (e.g., U.S. congressional districts).
2. Political Power & Territoriality
A. Political Power
Political power refers to the ability of a government, leader, or group to influence decisions, control land, and shape international relations.
1. Types of Political Power
Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Hard Power | Use of military or economic force. | U.S. military presence in the Middle East. |
Soft Power | Influence through culture, diplomacy, or media. | Hollywood movies shaping global perceptions. |
Economic Power | Control over trade, resources, and investments. | China’s Belt and Road Initiative. |
2. Factors Affecting Political Power
Economic Strength – Wealthier states often have greater global influence.
Military Strength – Countries with strong militaries project power globally.
Alliances & Diplomacy – Membership in international organizations enhances influence.
B. Territoriality
Territoriality is the connection of people, culture, and economic systems to a specific land. It involves the desire to control and defend a space.
1. Examples of Territoriality
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) – Countries control resources 200 nautical miles from their coast.
Disputed Territories – Conflicts arise over land claims (e.g., Israel-Palestine).
Geopolitical Influence – Nations exert control over strategic locations (e.g., Russia in Crimea).
2. Territorial Morphology (Shapes of States)
Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
Compact State | Small, centralized shape for easy governance. | Poland. |
Elongated State | Long and narrow, making governance difficult. | Chile. |
Fragmented State | Includes several pieces of territory. | Indonesia. |
Perforated State | Completely surrounds another state. | South Africa (surrounds Lesotho). |
Prorupted State | Has an extended arm of territory. | Thailand. |