Political Geography World Geography Mr. Hare

Types of Governments State – an independent unit that occupies a specific territory and has full control of its internal and external affairs

Types of Governments Democracy – system of government in which leaders rule with consent of the citizens – USA – Canada – Mexico – France – Great Britain – Brazil

Types of Governments Autocracy – system of government in which one person rules with unlimited power and authority – Absolute Monarchy – hereditary king or queen has supreme power Saudi Arabia – Dictatorship Cuba, North Korea

Types of Governments Constitutional Monarchy – a government in which king/queen or emperor’s powers are limited by a constitution and the laws of a nation (often democratic) – Great Britain – Japan – Sweden – Jordan – Thailand

Types of Governments Oligarchy – system of government in which a small group holds power – South Africa during apartheid – China – leaders of Communist Party

Types of Governments Theocracy – system of government in which rulers are regarded as divinely inspired – Iran – Mauritania – Yemen

Geographic Characteristics of Nations Size – Larger countries have lots of resources – Smaller countries have to improvise

Geographic Characteristics of Nations Shape – Compact countries easier to govern – Long, large, or fragmented countries are more challenging

Geographic Characteristics of Nations Location – Landlocked countries have to build connections to the rest of the world Paraguay

Geographic Characteristics of Nations National Boundaries – Natural Boundaries – physical features of the land, such as rivers, lakes, or mountain chains – Artificial Boundaries – a fixed line generally following longitude and latitude