Section 1: Introduction

The study of natural features in the earth’s surface is known as physical geography

The study of the characteristics and phenomenon of the earth’s surface that relate directly to or are due to human activities is known as human geography Examples:  Migration  Culture – language  Population distribution  Tourism

PositivesNegatives Protects against invading forces Lack of cultural diffusion Difficulties in communication Difficulties with trade

PositivesNegatives Fertile soil for crops Disastrous floods Enemies can transport troops Transportation Food source

PositivesNegatives Grow crops Easy to invade Easy to travel

PositivesNegatives Easy to travel Lack of cultural diffusion Easy to trade Protection Food source Easy to be isolated  England  United States  Japan  Italy  Greece

The social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services is known as economics Essential Questions:  What goods and services should be produced and in what quantities  How shall goods and services be produced  For whom shall goods and services be produced

Traditional Economy  Based on agriculture  The trade of goods or services without the benefit of money is known as barter  Traditional family – sons do the same jobs as their fathers

Free Market Economy  Based on the laws of supply and demand  Usually focuses on consumer goods  Little government control

Command Economy  Government makes all economic decisions  Little attention is paid to agriculture or consumer goods

Mixed Economy  Combination of market and command  Market forces of supply and demand control consumer goods  Government controls need goods

The study centering on the relations between governments and other governments and people is known as political science Essential Questions:  What are the basic purposes of government?  What assumptions have different groups made regarding power?  How do different societies view the rights and responsibilities of citizenship?  How do the concepts of justice and human value differ across time and place?  How are decisions made under different political systems?

Dictatorship  One person rule  Has total control over the lives of all the citizens

AdvantagesDisadvantages Decisions can be made quickly No individual liberty In an emergency, a dictator can move decisively Needs of the people may be ignored If decision making is flawed, no one can make changes.

Oligarchy  Government is in the hands of a small group of leaders with the power of a dictator Examples:  Aristocracy  Sparta of Ancient Greece  Taliban of Afghanistan

AdvantagesDisadvantages No competition for power Same as a dictator Usually most educated members of society Members usually think alike Members usually work together

Direct Democracy  All citizens who choose to can have equal power in matters of government Examples:  Ancient Athens

AdvantagesDisadvantages Every citizen is involved in decision making Only works with a small number of citizens There is a broad base of support and loyalty Very difficult to gather all citizens in one place Individual liberties are protected

Representative Democracy  People elect representatives who make decision Examples:  The U.S.A.  Constitutional Monarchy

AdvantagesDisadvantages People are involved through their representatives Representatives can’t please everyone All elements of the population are represented Lack of citizenry may allow special interest groups to dominate politics

 One person rule with total and absolute control is known as a dictatorship  A form of government where power rests with a small group of people is known as an oligarchy  A form of government where power rests with all the people who choose to participate is known as a direct democracy  A form of government where citizens participate by selecting elected officials is known as a representative democracy