Political GeographyOutline Style Notes

Brahe/ComptonGlobal StudiesChapter 4, Section 3

Objectives

Discuss the types and units of government

Identify the geographic characteristics of nations

Compare natural and artificial boundaries

Review the development of regional political systems

I. Nations of the WorldA. Governmental units

1. State: independent unit that occupies a specific territory and has full control of its internal and external affairs (country)

2. Nation: a group of people with a common culture living in a territory and having a strong sense of unity

3. Nation-state: occurs when a nation and state occupy the same territory

4. Is possible to have a nation and no territory = Palestinians, Kurds… (see map )

B. Types of Government1. Democracy: citizens hold power either

directly or through elected representatives. (US)

2. Monarchy: ruling family headed by a king/queen – may/may not share power with citizen bodies (UK or Saudi Arabia)

3. Dictatorship: individual or group holds complete political power (North Korea, Afghanistan)

4. Communism: (economic system too) political power and means of production are held by the government in the name of all the people

II. Geographic Characteristics of NationsA. Size

1. Sometimes large size = large wealth and power but not always

2. Example: England of the UK

B. Shape1. Fragmented like Japan (islands)2. Compact like Germany or long like Chile3. Can make it easy/harder to be governed

C. Location1. Landlocked: surrounded by land with not direct

outlet to sea = issues over transportation of goods (Ex: Bolivia)

2. Compare to Singapore – tiny but is a major port because it is on a coast

3. Surrounded by hostile neighbors? Issues with protection and security!

III. National BoundariesA. Natural Boundaries

1. Based on physical features of the land2. Such as rivers, lake, or chains of mountains3. Ex = Rio Grande River – border of Mexico and

part of US (Texas)

B. Artificial Boundaries1. Fixed line generally following latitude or

longitude lines2. Ex = 49˚N latitude separates US from Canada3. Issues: colonial powers in Africa established

boundaries without reference to traditional lands of the African people… led to civil war!

IV. Regional Political SystemsA. Countries divided - counties, provinces,

and statesB. Even smaller regional divisions: cities,

towns, villages, school districts… deal with local issues, leave the big decisions to larger groups

C. Countries can join together to form international political, military or economic units (like European Union, United Nations…)

V. Other Important Terms

Government: The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

Public Policy: All of the many goals that a government pursues in all of the many areas of human affairs in which it is involved.

Constitution: The body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government. (Highest Law in the Land!)

Socialism: A philosophy (and economic system) based on the idea that the benefits of economic activity should be fairly distributed.