AP Human Geography Unit 4

A politically organized territory with a permanent population, a defined territory, and a government that has sovereignty over its affairs.

The ultimate authority and power of a state within its borders, allowing it to make and enforce laws without interference from external forces.

A large group of people who share a common culture, language, history, and identity.

• Often have their own government and territory.

• Examples include the United States, Japan, and France.

A political entity that consists of a nation of people who share a common culture, language, and history, and a state with defined borders and a centralized government that exercises sovereignty over its territory.

A group of people who share a common culture, language, or history but do not have their own independent state or territory. They often aspire to have self-determination and establish their own nation-state. Examples include the Kurds, Basques, and Palestinians.

A group of people who share a common culture, language, or history, but are spread across multiple separate states or countries.

A state with diverse ethnic or cultural groups, often with distinct languages and traditions, coexisting under a single government.

A region within a country that has a degree of self-governance and has the power to make decisions on certain internal matters.

A region with limited self-governance and some degree of autonomy, but still under the control and authority of a central government.

The right of individuals or groups to freely make choices about their own political, social, and economic systems, without interference from external forces.

Transfer of power from a central government to regional or local authorities. Promotes local governance and decision-making. Enhances regional autonomy and tailors policies to specific needs. Can lead to greater efficiency and accountability. Examples include Scotland's Parliament and Wales' National Assembly.

A meeting held in 1884-1885 to divide Africa among European powers. It resulted in the arbitrary drawing of borders, disregarding the cultural and ethnic diversity of African nations. This led to the colonization and exploitation of Africa by European powers.

The peace treaties signed after World War I that imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and financial reparations. These treaties aimed to punish Germany and prevent future conflicts, but they also contributed to resentment and instability, ultimately leading to World War II.

Refers to the creation of a Jewish state in 1948. It resulted from the United Nations' decision to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. This event marked a significant milestone in the Zionist movement, fulfilling the long-held aspiration for a homeland for Jewish people.

Political and social movements aimed at ending colonial rule and achieving independence for colonized nations. Often characterized by protests, strikes, and armed resistance, these movements sought to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems of colonialism, reclaiming self-governance and national sovereignty. Examples include the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi and the African independence movements across the continent.

Collapsed in 1991 due to economic struggles, political unrest, and nationalist movements. Led to the emergence of independent nations in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War.

The exclusive control and authority a state has over its territory, including the ability to govern, make laws, and defend its borders.

Think of it as your bedroom.

The ability to influence or control the behavior and decisions of individuals or groups within a political system. It is often exercised through the use of authority, coercion, or persuasion.

The continuation of economic, political, and cultural control over former colonies by powerful nations through indirect means, such as economic dominance, cultural influence, and exploitation of resources.

Regions characterized by intense political, cultural, and ethnic conflicts due to overlapping spheres of influence. These areas often experience fragmentation and instability, with multiple powers vying for control. Can be found in regions like the Balkans, Middle East, and Central Asia.

Narrow strategic locations that control the flow of goods, resources, or military forces, often causing significant impact if disrupted. Examples include straits, canals, and mountain passes.

Borders established before the cultural landscape develops, often based on physical features like rivers or mountains.

Boundaries that are created as a result of human interaction and negotiation after the establishment of a state or territory. They are often drawn to accommodate changes in political, social, or economic factors. Examples include the border between India and Pakistan after the partition in 1947.

Formed by cultural or ethnic differences, these boundaries follow existing divisions. They reflect historical patterns and can lead to conflicts due to their alignment with societal differences.

Boundaries imposed by external powers without consideration of existing cultural or ethnic divisions.

A prime example is the Berlin Conference of 1884.

The limits that define the shape and extent of a geometric figure or area. They can be lines, curves, or a combination of both, and are used to determine the boundaries of a shape on a map or in a mathematical context. It is established through lines of latitude and longitude.

A prime example includes the 49th parallel of the United States and Canada.

Historical boundaries that no longer serve a practical purpose but still have cultural or symbolic significance.

A prime example is the Berlin Wall.

The demarcation lines that separate the territorial waters and exclusive economic zones of neighboring coastal states, ensuring their respective rights and jurisdiction over the adjacent seas.

Countries who legally defined and agree to where borders are located through an agreement or treaty.

Identifying the location of defined boundaries on the map. Usually at some time that boundaries are defined and done through legal designation.

Visible marking of landscape with objects such as fences, flags, posts in the grounds, and gates.

Legal management of the border through laws, immigration, regulation, documentation, and prosecution.

Factors that push people or things away from a center or towards the edges. Examples include cultural differences, political divisions, and economic disparities.

Forces that bring objects or people towards the center. They promote unity, cohesion, and stability within a group or system. Examples include shared values, common goals, and effective communication.

A strong sense of loyalty and devotion to one's own nation, often accompanied by the belief in its superiority and the desire for self-determination and independence.

Manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to gain political advantage by favoring one party or group over another.

A geographical term referring to a portion of land that is politically attached to a larger territory, but is physically separated from it by another country or territory.

The process of organizing and arranging items or people within a defined space, often used in political geography to describe the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or group.

A strategy used in political geography to weaken the influence of a particular group by dividing their voting power across multiple districts. This is done by redrawing district boundaries to dilute the concentration of voters from a specific demographic or political affiliation.

The ideal, in which the voting districts are equal in population, contiguous, and compact. They are truly representative of the people living in the district.

A nationwide population count conducted every 10 years. It collects data on demographics, such as age, race, and income, to help allocate resources and determine political representation.

The process of redistributing representation in a legislative body based on population changes. It ensures that each district has a relatively equal number of constituents, maintaining fairness in elections and representation.

The process of redrawing electoral boundaries to reflect changes in population and ensure fair representation. It can be influenced by political parties to gain an advantage, known as gerrymandering.

A system in which the President of the United States is elected by electors representing each state, with the number of electors determined by the state's population. The candidate who wins the majority of electoral votes becomes the President, even if they didn't win the popular vote.

A geographic area that determines the boundaries for electing representatives or officials. It is designed to ensure fair and equal representation by dividing the population into smaller units. Voting districts help to organize and streamline the electoral process, allowing citizens to vote for candidates who will represent their specific area's interests and concerns.