Political Geography

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

Nations, States, and Nation States?  Nation – a people with common culture, usually in a specific territory +  State – sovereign government, located in specific territory =  Nation-State – nation and state in same territory

Types of Borders  Political Borders –artificial, set by govt. (imaginary lines)  Example: North and South Korea Natural Borders – created 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

Major Types of Political Systems We will discuss good things and bad things about each one.

Democracy or Republic  citizens hold political power  2 main kinds – “direct” democracy, “representative” democracy Example:  USA, most modern nations

“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

Communism “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

Human Interactions

What is an Ethnic Group?  A group of people who share language, customs and a common heritage.

What is Race?  Race A group of human beings distinguished by physical traits, blood types, genetic code patterns or genetically inherited characteristics.

Ethnocentrism  Believing that one’s own culture is best or better than others.

Why people move.  Push – means leaving an area because of what is happening in the area you are leaving.  Ex.  Ex. Political unrest, no jobs, natural disaster  Pull – means leaving an area because of what is happening in the area you are going to.  Ex.  Ex. Good jobs, stable government, weather

What happens when people move?  Do you become like them??  Assimilation –the minority is absorbed by the majority.

What happens when you move?  Do they become a little like you?  Cultural Diffusion – The spread of ideas, inventions or patterns of behavior to different societies.

What happens when you move?  – Cultural change that occurs when individuals in a society accept or adopt an innovation.  Acculturation – Cultural change that occurs when individuals in a society accept or adopt an innovation.