Government Goal 3

Goal 3 The student will demonstrate an understanding of geographic concepts and processes to examine the role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and distribution of human activities throughout history.

3.1.1 Indicator 1 Expectation 1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of cultural and physical geographic factors in the development of government policy. Indicator 1 The student will evaluate demographic factors related to political participation, public policy and government policies.

3.1.1 The gender, age, and ethnicity of people can explain: A statewide poll of Marylanders showed wide differences in their reactions to issues such as crime, education, taxes, employment, and traffic. If a states population declined over time, that state would lose representation in the House of Representatives. Seats of the House of Representatives reapportion every 10 years to account for changing populations. If Calvert County grew 45% between 1990 and 2000. County funding for government services would have to increase. According to the 2000 census, the population of Frederick County increased by 30% since 1990, as a result the county needed more school construction.

3.1.1 MARYLAND POPULATION 1990 Census 2010 Projected % Change All of Maryland 4,781,468 5,738,350 +20% Baltimore City 736,014 672,500 -9% Baltimore County 692,134 739,000 +7% Calvert County 51,372 96,000 +87% Frederick County 150,208 243,000 +62% From the table one can predict that the number of legislative districts may be changed.

3.1.1 The United State Census Bureau projects that the percentage of people over 85 years old will triple in the next fifty years, as a result their will be a need to increase in funding health care services to account for this demographic trend. Reapportionment is based on changes in the population of an area. The excerpt below, is an example of the governments responsibility for promoting economic growth: The population of the city has greatly increased since 1990. Current expansion of the airport and the construction of a large industrial center. The city planning commission will meet this month to discuss these expansion issues.

3.1.1 Percent Change in Population from 1990 to 2000 in the Washington Metropolitan Region Region Percent Increase Anne Arundel County 14.6% Calvert County 45.1% Frederick County 30.0% Howard County 32.3% Prince George’s County 10.9% Saint Mary’s County 13.5% As a result of the trend shown in the chart, local government services will have to increase.

3.1.1 Ensuring fair political representation is the purpose of the US Census. An increase in population would cause the Maryland State Highway Administration to widen three miles of a major route from two lanes to six lanes. If tax revenues decrease, Maryland would have to reduce funding for some programs. Surveying homes to determine population figures is part of what the United States Census does.

3.1.1 In 2000, the population of Frederick County, Maryland, was 195,277, which was an increase of 30% from 1990. A contributing factor in the increase was the approval of development plans by local county officials. The population of residents in a state determines how many members a state has in the US House of Representatives. An example of national legislation addressing a regional concern: Representatives from Western states introduced a bill to Congress that would reduce demands for electricity and increase the power supply. The bill would allow clean air and endangered species protection rules to be waived during an energy crisis. Western states say the legislation is necessary to prevent an energy crisis. Opponents of the bill believe that the environment will suffer if the bill is passed.

3.1.1 In response to the trend described below, the state government would most likely increase funding for nursing homes: “The elderly population in every state will grow faster than the total population, and [senior citizens] will outnumber school-aged children in 10 states in the next 25 years, [according to Census Bureau projections].” A major shift in a state’s population could create new legislative districts Congressional reapportionment is based on national census.

3.1.2 Indicator 2 The student will evaluate the role of government in addressing land use and other environmental issues. The State of Maryland chose to make more decision regarding land use state-wide. Encouraging preservation of open space, limiting the growth of development and helping counties preserve farmland are actions the government could take in regards to this issue.

3.1.2 To address urban sprawl the county could implement new residential zoning laws. Funding the construction of single-family homes could be a possible action that Baltimore City government could do to attract large numbers of new residents to the city. An example of cooperation among local governments to address a common issues: Counties in the Baltimore region signed an agreement to stop algae growth in area reservoirs. Algae growth can cause problems with the taste and odor of drinking water.

3.1.2 An example of government policy balancing health and economic concerns: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to monitor levels of pollutants found in drinking water. Research has shown that high levels of pollutants can contribute to long-term health problems. The EPA is currently reviewing pollution limits for the mining and smelting industries, which contribute to the pollution. Industry officials assert however, that the extra cost associated with reducing water pollution will force some companies to shut down. To preserve land, the state of Maryland may purchase a large tract of open space from a housing developer. Local governments create zoning laws to control the use of buildings and land within a community. Air pollution may be an environmental issue that requires joint action by the United States and Canada

3.1.2 The Clean Alternative program was developed by the Maryland state government to encourage businesses, such as taxicab companies, to switch to cars that use new technologies that are less harmful to the environment. Providing tax credits for the purchase of low-pollution cars could be an action the government could do to support this program. Maryland lost approximately 10,000 acres of forest land each year between 1985 and 1990. Limiting the development of real estate could have been an action the government could have done to reduce the loss. Environmentalists have often opposed government policies that lease public lands to mining companies.

3.1.2 A purpose of Zoning Laws is to restrict the use of property. Some counties in Maryland have significantly increased their budgets for building roads and schools as a result of an increase in urban sprawl. An example of the power of a local government to decide how land is used: County officials voted to stop new residential developments, expressing concerns that the new construction would result in traffic jams and overcrowded schools. To encourage recycling, some states passed laws that allow empty cans and bottles to be returned for a refund.

3.1.3 Indicator 3 The student will analyze the roles and relationships of regions on the formation and implementation of government policy. An example of Regional Cooperation: State governors meet to plan interstate highways.

3.1.3 The Tri-County Council for Western Maryland helps local businesses export their products overseas. The purpose of this program is to increase opportunities for businesses in the region. Agriculture is a major part of the Midwest’s economy. Providing government relief to struggling farmers would provide the most immediate improvement to the regions economy. Maintaining an interstate highway would require regional cooperation. Examples of requiring regional cooperation by local governments: maintaining the water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, building a transportation system from Baltimore to Annapolis, and solving traffic congestion problems in metropolitan Washington, D.C.

3.1.3 To reduce traffic congestion the Baltimore Metropolitan Council and the Maryland Department of Transportation administer a grant program that helps area businesses establish ways that employees can work from home. An example of state government cooperation in regional issues: Rainwater runoff has become a threat to the Chesapeake Bay. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the runoff brings sand, mud, and pollutants into the watershed. Government officials in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania have developed a plan to address the problem.

3.1.3 The Susquehanna River flows through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. To resolve disputes over the use and protection of the river, they could create a regional organization to develop policies regarding the river. An example of regional interests: The states of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware joined together during the 1980x and 1990s in an effort to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.

3.1.3 A result of the action described above The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced that commuters can now use an electronic device at toll plazas in most Northeastern states. The devise is placed in cars and deducts toll fees electronically. This will allow commuters to pass through toll plazas without stopping. A result of the action described above is travelers will save time on the road. The article describes regional cooperation among states.

3.1.3 THE APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION Forms a partnership between 13 states in the Appalachian region, and the federal government Determines regional policy with the input from local citizens and officials Receives congressional funding for development projects, including highway construction, small business loans, and workforce training programs. Based upon the information on the Appalachian Regional Commission above , a role of the commission is to create opportunities for economic growth.