Unit 5 - Political Geography

Sovereignty means that a state has full control over its own territory

• True

• False

Answer explanation

True. Sovereignty refers to a state's authority and control over its own territory, allowing it to govern itself without external interference.

The United States is an example of a nation-state

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The United States is a multi-ethnic country with diverse cultures and identities, making it a state rather than a nation-state, which typically refers to a single ethnic group sharing a common culture.

The Treaty of Westphalia was important because it ended the Cold War

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years' War in Europe, not the Cold War, which lasted from the late 1940s to 1991. Therefore, the statement is false.

A fragmented state consists of one continuous piece of land

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A fragmented state is characterized by being made up of multiple pieces of land, not just one continuous piece. Therefore, the statement is false.

Gerrymandering is the fair and equal drawing of political boundaries.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party, making the statement false. It is not a fair and equal process.

A unitary state concentrates most political power at the national level, with limited regional authority.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A unitary state indeed concentrates most political power at the national level, allowing limited authority to regional governments. Therefore, the statement is True.

Which of the following best defines a "state"?

• a) A cultural group with a common heritage

• A political unit with defined boundaries and sovereignty

• A geographical area without a government

• A collection of nations

Answer explanation

A 'state' is best defined as a political unit with defined boundaries and sovereignty, distinguishing it from cultural groups, geographical areas without government, or collections of nations.

Which type of boundary is defined by natural features?

• Cultural boundary

• Geometric boundary

• Superimposed boundary

• Physical boundary

Answer explanation

A physical boundary is defined by natural features such as mountains, rivers, or lakes, distinguishing it from cultural, geometric, or superimposed boundaries that are based on human-made or arbitrary lines.

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is significant because it:

• Ended the colonial era

• Established the principles of state sovereignty

• Created the United Nations

• Divided Africa among European powers

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Westphalia established the principles of state sovereignty, marking a shift in political order by recognizing the rights of states to govern themselves without external interference.

Which of the following describes a perforated state?

• A state that has a large area of coastline.

• A state that completely surrounds another state.

• A state that has no land borders, only coastal boundaries.

• A state that is divided by water bodies, such as rivers or lakes.

Answer explanation

A perforated state is defined as one that completely surrounds another state, making the correct choice the one that describes this relationship. The other options do not accurately represent this concept.