OPENING What are some characteristics that can strengthen or weaken a state?

Spatial Organization of Governments How states organize their territories

Richard Hartshorne (1950s) Forces at work that affect success of state Centripetal forces –Unify a state Centrifugal forces –Break a state apart

Centripetal Forces Forces that strengthen state National institutions Common history Culture Strong central government Effective communications Homogeneity

Centrifugal Forces Forces that weaken state Regionalism Ethnic strife Territorial disputes Heterogeneity

Critical Thinking Identify and explain three centripetal and three centrifugal forces within the United States

Forms of Government Unitary –Centralized, powerful capital –Monarchy/dictator –Strong state

Forms of Government Federal –Shared power –Strong v. weak Degree of regional power

Devolution Movement of power from central to regional governments Bringing the power closer to the people –Often based on ethno-cultural groups Can contribute to centrifugal forces