ap human geography unit 3 vocab

4 min read 30-11-2024

This comprehensive guide covers key vocabulary terms for AP Human Geography Unit 3, focusing on the political organization of space. Mastering these terms is crucial for success on the AP exam. We'll break down complex concepts into easily digestible chunks, complete with examples to solidify your understanding.

Key Concepts and Vocabulary:

1. States and their characteristics:

State: A politically organized territory with a permanent population, a defined territory, and a government. Think of it as a country. It possesses sovereignty—meaning it has supreme authority within its territory. Examples include the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Sovereignty: The ability of a state to govern its territory free from control of its internal affairs by other states. This is the defining characteristic of a state. A state without sovereignty is not truly independent.
Nation: A large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory. It's important to distinguish this from a state; a nation doesn't necessarily have its own government or territory (e.g., the Kurds).
Nation-State: A state whose territory corresponds to that occupied by a particular ethnicity that has been transformed into a nationality. Ideally, the population is unified by a shared culture and language. Examples are relatively rare, but Japan and Iceland come close.
Multinational State: A state containing more than one nation. Many states fall into this category. The United Kingdom, with its English, Scottish, and Welsh populations, is a prime example.
Stateless Nation: A nation without a state. The Kurds are a classic example, spread across multiple countries without their own independent state.
Multistate Nation: A nation that stretches across borders and states. Again, the Kurds serve as a strong example here.
Autonomous Region: A region or territory that has a degree of self-governance or autonomy within a larger state. Examples include Nunavut in Canada or certain regions in Spain.
Semi-Autonomous Region: A region with limited self-governance within a larger state. The level of autonomy is less extensive than in an autonomous region.

2. Shapes of States:

Compact State: A state in which the distance from the center to any boundary does not vary significantly. Poland is often cited as an example.
Elongated State: A state with a long and narrow shape. Chile is a good example of an elongated state. This shape can lead to difficulties in governance and communication.
Prorupted State: An otherwise compact state with a large projecting extension. Thailand is an example of a prorupted state, with its long southern extension.
Perforated State: A state that completely surrounds another state. South Africa is a perforated state, as it completely surrounds Lesotho.
Fragmented State: A state that includes several discontinuous pieces of territory. Indonesia, with its thousands of islands, is a prime example of a fragmented state.
Landlocked State: A state that lacks a direct outlet to the sea. Many states in central Africa are landlocked, facing challenges in trade and transportation.

3. Boundaries and their evolution:

Boundary: A vertical plane that cuts through the subsoil and extends up into space, dividing one state’s territory from another.
Geometric Boundary: A boundary created by using lines of latitude and longitude or other straight lines. The boundary between the United States and Canada is largely geometric.
Physical/Natural Boundary: A boundary created by a physical feature, such as a mountain range or river. The Rio Grande River serves as a physical boundary between the US and Mexico.
Ethnographic Boundary: A boundary that coincides with differences in ethnicity, especially language and religion. The boundary between India and Pakistan reflects religious differences.
Antecedent Boundary: A boundary drawn before the cultural landscape is developed. Many boundaries in Africa predate the development of modern nation-states.
Subsequent Boundary: A boundary drawn after the cultural landscape is developed. The boundary between Germany and Poland is a subsequent boundary.
Superimposed Boundary: A boundary drawn by powerful outsiders, without regard to the local populations. Many boundaries in Africa are superimposed boundaries.
Relic Boundary: A boundary that no longer functions but can still be detected on the cultural landscape. The Berlin Wall is a relic boundary.
Boundary Disputes: Conflicts over the location, size, or extent of a boundary. Territorial disputes can escalate into conflicts.
Definitional Boundary Dispute: Conflicts over the legal language of the boundary agreement. Disagreements over the interpretation of maps or treaties can lead to disputes.
Locational Boundary Dispute: Conflicts over the delimitation and demarcation of a boundary. This involves the exact placement of boundary markers on the ground.
Operational Boundary Dispute: Conflicts over the administration of a boundary. This may involve disagreements over immigration or trade.
Allocational Boundary Dispute: Conflicts over resources in a boundary zone, such as oil fields or water rights.

4. Geopolitics:

Geopolitics: The study of international relations in terms of geography and material resources. It considers the impact of geography on political power and strategy.
Colonialism: The attempt by one country to establish settlements and to impose its political, economic, and cultural principles in another territory. The effects of colonialism are still felt today.
Imperialism: Control of territory already occupied and organized by an indigenous society. Imperialism often involved economic exploitation and political domination.

5. Political Power:

Centrifugal Forces: Forces that tend to divide a country. Examples include ethnic conflicts, economic disparities, and political instability.
Centripetal Forces: Forces that tend to unite a country. Examples include a shared national identity, strong leadership, and economic development.
Supranationalism: The association of three or more states for mutual benefit (e.g., the European Union).
Devolution: The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments. This can lead to greater autonomy for regions.

This extensive vocabulary list provides a solid foundation for understanding AP Human Geography Unit 3. Remember to utilize flashcards, practice questions, and real-world examples to strengthen your grasp of these key terms. Good luck with your studies!