Political Geography

What is Political Geography?  Study of governmental systems  Study of nation-states

What is “Territory”?  Territory  Territory – Physical space claimed by a government, person, or animal  Territorial Imperative - The urge in humans and animals to stake out, claim, and defend territory from potential rivals and enemies.

What kinds of borders?  Political Borders – set by govt. (imaginary lines)  Example: North and South Korea Natural Borders – Defined by physical features Example: Rio Grande River (Mexico and US)

Major Functions of Governments  Different government systems divide powers and responsibilities differently. Separation of powers, distribution of powers vary by country.  Executive – authority for the day- to-day operation of the government  Legislative – decision-making assembly or other body  Judicial – law and justice issues

Nations, States, and Nation States?

What are the major types of political systems? Complete the “Government Chart” as we go along. We will discuss good things and bad things about each one.

“Democracy” Who has power?  citizens hold direct political power What else should you know?  Uncommon as a form of large government Example:  Ancient Athens, referendum elections in most countries

Republic  Who has power?  In a republic, the people elect representatives to make and enforce laws.  What else do you need to know?  Also called a “representative democracy  Examples?  USA, most modern European countries, Japan

“Monarchy” Who has power?  King or Queen What else should you know?  Usually shares power with other groups, typically a legislature – making them a “constitutional monarchy” Example?  Great Britain, Jordan

“Authoritarian” Who has power?  Government has all political power (not the people) What else should you know?  One ruler – “Dictatorship”  Group – “Oligarchy”  Total control of all aspects of a citizen’s life – “Totalitarianism” Examples? Nazi Germany, Soviet Union Cuba, North Korea, Syria People’s Republic of China

“Anarchy” or “Failed State” Who has power? Nobody, or gangs and warlords… violence = political power in a failed state. There often is a government, but it has no control over its territory. What else should you know? The instability is often fueled by illegal drugs or resources, because of external interference. Examples: See map