Political Organization of Space
CHAPTER 8
© ROBIN FOSTER
PROJECTS ARE DUE!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Turn in your PRINTED project with your rubric and ALL
group members names. ( I only need 1 rubric per group)
If you submitted your project by e-mail, turn in a rubric
with “submitted via e-mail” on top and who submitted it.
Put all group members names on the rubric.
ALL PROJECTS ARE DUE TODAY NO EXCEPTIONS.
(read the PRE-AP Contract you signed!)
YOU HAVE 5 Minutes to do this, after the 5 minutes,
projects will NOT be accepted.
When you are finished, open your notebook and get an
orange book from the book shelf.
BAV pg. 239-251
 Complete the following BAV
 Political power
 Political region
 Political unit
TERM
 Borders
 Sovereign government
Picture or Symbol
 International relations
 Balance of power
 United Nations
 European Union
YOUR definition
Use the TERM
In a sentence
Write down these Essential Questions for Unit 4!
 What factors determine where boundaries between
countries are established?
 How do different countries relate to one another?
 After you copy down these questions, grab a World
Geography textbook from the shelf. (blue book)
What is Political Geography?
 Political Geography-
political organization of
the planet.
 A constantly changing
collage of countries.
Flip to a political map in your textbook
 Notice the shapes of states
 What do you notice about the boundaries of states?
Tuesday Assignment
 Read Political Regions on pg 241
 You will use a brace map to explain how
governments set up clear boundaries and exercise
power within these boundaries, creating political
units. (see the white board)
 Complete “Applying What you have learned” on pg.
241 (See the white board)
 Finish BAV from yesterday because I will
come around and check it for a daily grade
TOMORROW!
Get out assignment from yesterday and BAV!
 Sit quietly! Be ready to discuss!!
Where are states located?
 State-an area organized into a political unit and
ruled by an established government that has control
over its internal and foreign matters.

In political geography we do NOT refer to the 50
regional governments within the USA.
 Sovereignty-independence from control of its
internal affairs by other states
 Country is a synonym for state.
Wednesday Assignment!
Read page 241-245. As you read, take notes in
the graphic organizer then answer the prompt!
1. Explain how both physical and human factors shape
countries’ borders as well as their internal political divisions.
Be sure to use a specific example from the reading.
What
Factors
Determine
Where
Boundaries
Are
Established?
US-
Mex
Poland
France
Development of
StatesQuestions of
Borders!
Israel and
Palestine
These are
Examples
Of countries
Who have
Seen their
Borders shift
The only landmass not a part of a state?
Main Ideas of this Unit
 Governments set up boundaries and exercise their
power within these boundaries, creating political
units
 Political maps show political units, such as countries,
and their borders
 Political power is distributed spatially within a
political region or unit
 A nation’s power affects its international role
The concept of territoriality
 Government refers to leadership and institutions
that make policy decisions for a country.
 Politics is basically all about power. Who has it?
How did they get it?
 In the USA, who has the power?
Territoriality
 Territoriality refers to efforts to control pieces of the
earth’s surface for political and social ends.
 Territoriality is the key to political geography.
 http://www.state.gov/s/inr/rls/4250.htm
Human Territoriality
 Robert Sack used this
term.
 He sees human
territoriality as a key
ingredient in the
construction of human
and political spaces.
Various size of states
 States vary in land area.
 Russia-6.6 million
square miles
 Tonga-a microstate
(small land area and
small population) of 289
square miles.
 Monaco-1.5 square miles.
States in the world
 In 1930 there were 70
 In 2007 there were more than 200
Look at Africa
Warm-up Monday 12/3/12
EOC Q: An important effect of mountain ranges,
large rivers, and ocean coastlines on a country
has often been thea. growth in available fertile land.
b. encouragement of cultural convergence
c. formation of the country’s borders
d. promotion of a democratic form of government.
Boundaries
 Boundaries= invisible lines
that mark the extent of a
state’s territory and the
control its leaders have.
What you already know about boundaries!
 Boundaries can be physical or cultural.
 Boundaries may be set by physical features like
lakes, rivers, mountains.
 Boundaries can be drawn to separate ethnic groups
from one another.
 Boundaries may be set by negotiation or war with
neighbors, which can be subject to change in the
future.
Geometric Boundaries (the last type of boundary)
 Straight, imaginary lines
with good reasoning
behind them.
 Korea is divided at the
38th parallel by a line of
demarcation.
Boundaries
 Boundaries mark the
place where two or more
states come into direct
contact.
 They have the potential
to create conflicts among
them.
Frontiers
 Frontiers rather than boundaries separated states.
 A frontier is a geographic zone where no state
exercises power.
 Frontiers provide buffers between states.
Frontiers
Shapes of states
 Territorial morphology is the term that describes the
shapes, sizes and relative locations of states.
 There are five basic shapes of states:
 Compact Prorupted
 Elongated
 Fragmented
 Perforated
Use your reading and the power point to fill in
the boxes
Shape of State
Compact
Elongated
Prorupted
Fragmented
Perforated
What is it and an
example of a
country w/ this
shape
Pros of having
this shape
Cons of having
this shape
Shapes of states-Compact
 Compact-distance from center to any boundary is
about the same, giving it a shape similar to a circle.


Capital is usually in the center, easy to rule.
Compactness promotes good communications among all
regions.
Shape of states-prorupted
 A compact state with a large projecting extension or
it separates two states that would otherwise share a
boundary.
 {Why might a country establish a prorupted
state?}
Shape of states-elongated
 Long narrow state-sometimes for either political or
economic reasons.
 Can have transportation and communication
problems between geographic ends of the country.
 Potential for isolation.
 {Give me examples of elongated states}
Shape of states-fragmented
 Several discontinuous pieces of territory.
 Remoteness of islands can cause problems.
 Population concentrations or lack of lead to control
problems.
 If fragments are separated by another country
problems can arise.
 {Give me an example}
Shape of states-Perforated
 A state that completely surrounds another one.
 Transportation issues can be created.
Activity
 Take 5 minutes to quietly look over your
notes/chart over the shapes of states.
 We are going to have an activity and the first group
to complete the activity will receive 10 points that
may be used on their Political Organization of Space
Test on 12/14.
 If you are loud and talking and not quietly studying,
I will not award the 10 points in your class.
1.
Match the shape with the definition, pros/cons,
and the countries that have that shape! There may
be multiple parts of the definition and multiple
pros/cons.
2. The first group with the entire completed set
matched up will get 10 points on the test!!!
Relative location
 Landlocked states Lack ocean frontage
 Surrounded by other states
 At a disadvantage for trade
 Try to arrange use of a port with another country.
 There are 40 in the world.


Double landlocked-must travel through two countries to reach
the ocean.
There are two in the world- Uzbekistan and Liechenstein
Functions of boundaries
 Boundaries mark limits of
state jurisdiction, serve as
symbols of sovereignty or
the ability to carry our
actions or police actions.
 Modern nationalism is a
sense of unity with fellow
citizens and loyalty to the
state to promote its
interests over those of
others.
Boundaries
 Boundaries are a vertical
plane that cuts through
the subsoil.
 Resources underground
are split between
countries.
 Boundaries also include
the airspace that is above
the country.
Evolution of Boundaries
 Definition-treaty-like document where boundary is
described.
 Delimitation-Cartographers put the boundary on the
map.
 Demarcation-The boundary is marked on the ground
by concrete posts or steel pillars, fencing or other
visible means.
Types of Boundaries
1. Geometric-straight-line boundaries:

USA /Canada West of the Great Lakes.
2. Physical/Political or Natural Political
Boundaries:
o
o
o
Conform to physical features-Rio Grande River
May follow old trespass lines.
Mountains, water or desert
Types of Boundaries
3. Cultural Political Boundaries-Boundary
between Christian Armenia and Muslim Azerbaijan.
These can shift over time.
Can also be religious, language based or “Green Line’ (the buffer
zone on Cypress for the Greeks and the Turkish)
Ocean Boundaries- which are examples of
physical boundaries
 In the Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCOLS)
the UN generally paved the following guidelines:
1. Coastal states can lay claims to the sea up to 12
nautical miles from the shoreline. Ships from other
countries have the right to pass through these
waters.
Ocean Boundaries
2. A coastal state can claim up to 200 nautical miles
of territory beyond its coastline as an exclusive
economic zone, over which it has economic control
and can explore and mine natural resources in the
waters.
3. When there is not enough water for each country
on opposite sides of the sea to have 200 nautical
miles of exclusive economic zone, the two countries
will divide the water evenly under the medial line
principal.
Functions of Boundaries
 Mark limits of state
jurisdiction.
 Symbols of sovereignty.
 Foster nationalism
States and distribution of power
 Unitary System- concentrates all policymaking
powers into one central geographic place. Common
in European countries ex. France
 Confederate System- spreads the power among
many sub-units with a weak central government.
 Federal System- divides the power between the
central government and sub-units. Ex. United States
Warm-Up
EOC Question: The conflict between Israel and
its Arab neighbors since 1948 shows thata.
b.
c.
d.
Strong leadership often leads to a return of
traditional ways.
Conflicts between neighbors can result in
shifting borders.
Communism has played a major role in Israel’s
development.
Europe still controls its former colonial
territories.
Centripetal Forces (remember the p= positive)
 Unify people
 Bind together the people




of a state
Gives state strength
Nationalism-allegiance
to a country, promotes
loyalty and commitment.
Schools, armed forces,
flags, religion.
Pledge of Allegiance
Centrifugal Forces (remember the f=foul)
 Tend to fragment
 Destabilize the





government
Encourage a country to
fall apart.
Separatist movements in
a region
Devolution
Deep religious conflicts
Internal boundary
conflicts.
What is Devolution???
 Can divide and destabilize the government. These
forces can be divided into three basic types:
1. Ethnic forces
ethnonationalism-tendency for an ethnic group to
see itself as a distinct nation with a right to
autonomy
Examples-Quebec, India and Pakistan- Hindus and
Muslims, Myanmar- Muslims and Buddhists
Devolution
2. Economic Forces- economic inequality, especially
if regional.
Example: Italy-Ancona Line-the north (industrialized)
is clearly more prosperous than the south (rural).
3. Spatial Forces- Distance, remoteness, landforms
Example: Puerto Rico
Ethnicity vs. Race
ETHNICITY
RACE
Ethnicity is an identity with a group of
people who share the cultural traditions of
a particular homeland or hearth.
Race is the identity with a group of people
who share the same biological ancestor.
Ethnicity is learned
Developed in the 1800’s by
anthropologists based on skin color, bone
structure and hair.
Ethnicity comes from the Greek “ethnikos” Race comes from the middle French word
which means national.
for Generation.
African American and Hispanic are
the two largest ethnic groups in the USA.
Biological descendant- Race is inherited.
“Ethnic Hatred Tears Apart a Region of Myanmar”
 Annotate the article.
 Directions: Design questions at each of the three levels listed below that are based on your
study of the reading.
 LEVEL ONE questions can be answered by facts stated explicitly in the text of by information
gained from other sources.
 LEVEL TWO questions are answered through an analysis and interpretation of the text. Answer
to level two questions are implied; the answer are not stated explicitly in the text.
 LEVEL THREE questions are open-ended and go beyond the text. Level Three Questions
should provoke a discussion of an abstract idea or issue.
 What are 2 Level One questions you might ask based on




your study of the reading?
What are 2 Level Two questions you might ask based on
your study of the reading?
What are 2 Level Three questions you might ask based on
your study of the reading?
What is the main point of the reading?
What role does ethnicity and religion play in political
geography?
Assignment
 Sit down and get out your questions and your
article!!
 I will come check to make sure each person has their
completed questions and annotated article!!!
 Its basically all or nothing- if your Q’s aren’t
finished, you get a 50 and you do not work
with a group! So make it easier on yourself
and make sure your questions are finished!!!!
Questions- Reference the article when you are
discussing. The group leader will take “minutes” of
your discussion to turn in to me for your grade!!
EVERY TIME YOUR GROUP IS OFF TOPIC I
WILL DEDUCT 5 POINTS FROM YOUR
GRADE. CELL PHONES WILL BE TAKEN UP AND
TURNED INTO THE OFFICE. THIS IS YOUR
WARNING.
1. Discuss the article.
1.
What were your first impressions?
2.
Does this remind you of other events in history?
3.
Anything you want to discuss (within reason) about the
article.
2. Discuss how this article demonstrates
ethnonationalism.
3. Predict how this situation might be handled.
SIT QUIETLY!
BAV in a nutshell!!
 City-state (city that is also a state)
 Colonialism (Euro powers sought






to extend their kingdoms)
Colony- (territory under the rule of
another country)
Confederation (many sub units
have power w/weak to little to no
federal govt)
Federal state (like what we havedivided power bt political units)
Gerrymandering- (changing
political districts’ boundaries to
favor one political party)
Imperialism- extending power &
rule over other countries (like
colonialism- Imp usually refers to
Africa and Asia)
Microstate (state w/ small pop &
small land area)
 Theocracy- (govt based on






religion)
Democracy- (citizens have a say
through their vote!)
Communism- (classless social
society in which everything is
owned by the public)
Monarchy- (state run by a royal
family, a king or queen)
Dictatorship- (1 person “dictates”
the future of the state)
Republic- (citizens hold the power)
Totalitarian- (one person has
“total” control)
States and distribution of power
 Unitary System- concentrates all policymaking
powers into one central geographic place. Common
in European countries ex. France
 Confederate System- spreads the power among
many sub-units with a weak central government.
 Federal System- divides the power between the
central government and sub-units. Ex. United States
Gerrymandering-used to disperse or concentrate
groups for political purposes
No Warm-Up Today! Copy this down!!!
Supranational Organizations
Supra national
organizationscooperating groups of
nations that operate
either on a regional or
international level for
decisions and rules.
Ex. United Nations,
European Union,
Geneva Conventions,
or Law of the Sea
Supranational Organizations
The United Nations
(UN) is an international
organization whose
stated aims are
facilitating cooperation
in international law,
international security,
economic development,
social progress, human
rights, and the achieving
of world peace.
 UN was founded in 1945
after World War II.
 There are currently 192
member states, including
nearly every sovereign
state in the world.
http://visit.un.org/wcm/content/
Trade Agreements
1993-NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement
Bill Clinton signed the agreement between the US,
Canada and Mexico.
Reduced tariffs, opened up more trade.
Trade Agreements
1993-European Union (EU)
Trade bloc to abolish tariffs and quotas for members.
Common import rules
Euro is the common currency.
England will not join, as other countries are added
incrementally.
http://europa.eu/about-eu/basicinformation/index_en.htm
Supranational Organizations
 African Union (AU)
Among the objectives of
the AU's leading
institutions are to
accelerate the political
and socio-economic
integration of the
continent
 The AU is an
intergovernmental
organization consisting
of 54 African states.
Established on July 9,
2002
Supernational Organizations
Union for the
Mediterranean
(Med U or Club Med)
Initiated on 13 July 2008
by French President
Nicolas Sarkozy.
 The act unites all EU
members with several
non-EU countries that
border the
Mediterranean Sea.
 The idea is to form
economic/political
connections between
Europe, North Africa,
and the Middle East.
OPEC and Arab League
 OPEC-Organization of
Petroleum Exporting
countries.
 Formed to coordinate
policies to secure fair and
stable prices for petroleum
product producers.
 http://www.opec.org/opec
_web/en/about_us/25.htm
 Arab League- Promoting
common interests of
primarily Arabic speaking
countries. Founded in
1945 in Egypt.
Democratization
 More nations moving to a form of popular
government
 The modern world is in a third wave of
democratization. Why?
1. Loss of legitimacy of authoritarian regimes.
2. Expansion of urban middle class
3. New emphasis on human rights
4. Snowball effect
5. Internet, satellite TV, and seeing what others have.
Movement toward market economies
 Market or Mixed economies are replacing command
economies.
 Marketization-state’s re-creation of a market in
which property, labor , goods and services can
function in a competitive environment.
 Privatization-transfer of state-owned property to
private ownership
Revival of Ethnic or Cultural Politics
 Fragmentation-divisions based on ethnic or cultural
identity are becoming important in world politics.
 Politicization of religion has dominated world
politics in the early 21st century.
New World Order
 International relations no longer driven by the
communist/anticommunist groups.
 International relations are multilayered and
complex.
 Challenges of terrorism and other types of warfare.
Multipolar World
 A multipolar world is emerging in which the
heartland and rimland are represented by power
cores.
 Four potential world Superpowers on the World
Island:
Russia, Europe, China and the United States
An unstable multipolar conflict with potential for
conflict.
REVIEW DAY!!!!
SWBAT complete the Unit 4 Test Review!
SWBAT write using terms such as frontiers,
boundaries, and government.
 We will be diligently working on our Unit 4 Test
Review. If you are not working quietly, I’ll give you a
different assignment and you will need to review on
your own.