AP Human Geography Unit 4 Review

Introduction

• The lecture is a review of Unit 4 for AP Human Geography.
• A study guide is recommended for use along with this video.
• The ultimate review packet includes quizzes, study guides, practice exams, and exclusive resources.

State vs. Nation

• State: Geographic area with a permanent population, defined borders, sovereign government, and recognized by other states.
  • Sovereign government controls domestic and international affairs.
• Nation: Group of people with shared culture, history, homeland, and self-governance desires.
  • Self-determination is a key aspect of national identity.

Political Entities

1. Nation-State: Self-governing state with a uniform population sharing a common language, culture, and history.
   • Examples: Japan, Iceland, South Korea.
2. Multinational State: Multiple nations within borders, with distinct ethnic, linguistic, or cultural groups.
   • Example: Canada (English and French groups).
3. Multi-State Nation: Nation existing across multiple states.
   • Examples: Kurds (Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria) and Basque (Spain, France).
4. Stateless Nation: Nation with no recognized state.
5. Autonomous Region: Region with high independence within a state.
   • Example: Native American reservations (USA).
6. Semi-Autonomous Region: Region with moderate self-governance, subject to state control.
   • Example: Hong Kong (China).

Historical Political Processes

• Colonialism: Acquiring territories for settlement and control.
• Imperialism: Exerting force over nations for power without settlement.
• Decolonization: Colonies gain independence post-World War II.
• Devolution: Transfer of power from central to regional governments.

Political Power and Territoriality

• Territoriality: Establishing and defending geographic areas.
• Neocolonialism: Economic and cultural influence over less developed countries.
• Shatter Belts: Regions caught between conflicting powers.
• Choke Points: Strategic narrow passages for control and influence.

Political Boundaries

Types of Boundaries

• Geometric Boundary: Straight lines based on latitude and longitude.
• Antecedent Boundary: Pre-existing boundary before human settlement.
• Relic Boundary: Boundary that no longer exists but impacts culture.
• Superimposed Boundary: Imposed by external powers, ignoring local needs.
• Subsequent Boundary: Developed alongside cultural landscape.
• Consequent Boundary: Separates ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups.

Boundary Disputes

• Definitional Disputes: Interpretation of original boundary documents.
• Locational Disputes: Dispute over boundary location and ownership.
• Operational Disputes: Management disagreements over boundary.
• Allocational Disputes: Conflicts over resources on boundaries.

Law of the Sea

• Territorial Waters: 12 nautical miles for state laws.
• Contiguous Zone: 12-24 miles for enforcement of laws.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): 24-200 miles for resource rights.
• International Waters: Beyond 200 miles, no state control.

Internal Boundaries and Gerrymandering

• Redistricting: Redrawing districts after census.
• Gerrymandering: Redistricting to favor a political party.
  • Cracking: Spreading like-minded voters across districts.
  • Packing: Concentrating like-minded voters in few districts.

Forms of Governance

• Unitary State: Centralized power at national level.
• Federal State: Power distributed between national and regional governments.

Devolution and Its Factors

• Devolution due to geography, cultural divisions, political instability, economic disparities, and government abuse.
• Ethnic Separatism: Groups seeking autonomy or independence.
• Irredentism: Movement to unite divided ethnic groups across borders.

Technological Impact and Globalization

• Social Media: Influencing government transparency and democratization.
• Globalization: Economic and political interdependence.
• Supernational Organizations: Alliances for common goals (e.g., EU, UN).

Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces

• Centrifugal Forces: Divide a state (economic disparities, cultural differences).
• Centripetal Forces: Unite a state (patriotism, shared identity).

Conclusion

• Unit review aimed to prepare for the AP Human Geography exam.
• Resources available for further study in the ultimate review packet.