AP Human Geography: Unit 4 Review

Introduction

• Major concepts of Unit 4 for AP Human Geography.
• Recommended to use the study guide linked with the video for better understanding and preparation for exams.

Key Concepts

State vs. Nation

• State: Geographic area with a permanent population, defined borders, sovereign government, recognized by other states.
• Nation: Group of people with shared culture, history, homeland, and self-governance desire.

Political Entities

• Nation-State: Homogeneous population with a common language, culture, history (e.g., Japan, Iceland).
• Multinational State: Multiple nations within its borders, often a dominant cultural group (e.g., Canada).
• Multi-State Nation: Nation existing across multiple states (e.g., Kurds across Turkey, Iran, Iraq).
• Stateless Nation: Nations without a recognized state (e.g., Kurds, Basques).
• Autonomous Region: High degree of self-rule (e.g., Native American reservations in the US).
• Semi-Autonomous Region: Moderate self-governance, with state intervention potential (e.g., Hong Kong).

Colonialism and Imperialism

• Colonialism: Acquiring territories and settling to exert control.
• Imperialism: Exerting control over nations for economic/political gains without settlement.
• Historic effects include imposed cultures, arbitrary political boundaries, leading to current conflicts.

Devolution

• Transfer of power from central to regional governments.
• Factors: physical geography, cultural divisions, political instability, economic/social divisions.
• Examples: UK's creation of Scottish Parliament, Catalonia in Spain.

Territoriality

• Establishing/defending geographic areas.
• Involves control of boundaries, military interventions, promoting political/economic systems.

Neocolonialism

• Indirect control using political, cultural, or economic power.
• Example: China's influence in Africa through infrastructure investment.

Shatterbelts

• Areas caught between larger conflicting powers (e.g., Eastern Europe during the Cold War).

Political Boundaries

• Various types (geometric, antecedent, relic, superimposed, subsequent, consequent).
• International vs. Internal: Separate sovereign states vs. regions within a state.
• Boundary disputes: Definitional, locational, operational, allocational.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• Territorial waters, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
• Current disputes: South China Sea.

Internal Boundaries and Redistricting

• Internal boundaries: Congressional districts, counties, cities.
• Redistricting: Adjusting voting districts based on population changes.
• Gerrymandering: Redistricting to favor one party (cracking, packing methods).

Forms of Governance

• Unitary State: Centralized power, quick law implementation, less local representation.
• Federal State: Power shared between national and regional governments, allows local adaptation.

Devolution Factors

• Physical geography, cultural divisions, political instability, economic/social inequalities.
• Ethnic separatism: Demand for autonomy (e.g., Basques, Catalans).

Technological and Globalization Effects

• Impact sovereignty by spreading information, fostering democratization.
• Example: Arab Spring movements.

Supernational Organizations

• Alliances for common goals (e.g., UN for political stability, EU for economic prosperity).
• Membership often results in some sovereignty sacrifice for greater benefits.

Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Forces

• Centrifugal: Forces dividing states/groups (economic/social inequality, cultural differences).
• Centripetal: Forces uniting states/groups (shared identity, opportunities, strong government).

Conclusion

• Understanding Unit 4 concepts is crucial for exams.
• Additional resources, quizzes, and study aids are available in the review packet.