AP Human Geography Chapter 8 Terms Flashcards

Key Terms in Human Geography

• Balance of Power: Indicates a situation of equal strength among nations or alliances, potentially preventing dominance by any single entity.

• Boundary: Defined as an invisible line marking the extent of a state's territory, crucial for political and territorial integrity.

• City-State: A self-governing entity that consists of a city and its surrounding areas, exemplifying sovereignty on a small scale.

• Colonialism: Refers to the efforts of one nation to establish settlements and impose its control and cultural values on another territory.

• Colony: A territory legally tied to a sovereign state rather than operating independently, often a result of colonialism.

• Compact State: Characterized by a central point with boundaries that are roughly equidistant, promoting efficient governance and communication.

• Elongated State: Describes a state with a long, narrow geographical shape, which may impact administration and transportation.

• Federal State: An organizational structure where power is distributed among various local governments rather than being centralized.

• Fragmented State: Consists of several separated pieces of territory, often creating challenges for governance and unity.

• Frontier: An area between two states where neither maintains political control, acting as a buffer zone.

• Gerrymandering: The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party, impacting representation.

• Imperialism: Involves extending control over territories already inhabited by indigenous groups, impacting cultural and political landscapes.

• Landlocked State: A nation that does not have access to oceanic waterways, often affecting trade and economic growth.

• Microstate: A very small sovereign state, often limited in resources but fully functional as a political unit.

• Perforated State: A state that entirely surrounds another state, resulting in unique political and social dynamics.

• Prorupted State: A predominantly compact state with a significant extension or protrusion that may serve specific strategic purposes.

• Sovereignty: The capacity of a state to exercise independent control over its territory and internal affairs without external interference.

• State: Defined as a political unit with an established government that has authority over its domestic and foreign matters.

• Unitary State: A centralized model of governance where most actions and decisions are made by a core national government.

• Decolonization: The process by which colonies gain independence, particularly notable in the period following World War II.

• Brandt Line: A socio-economic division that separates wealthier regions from poorer countries, impacting global policy and development.

• Enclave: A cultural minority group surrounded by a dominant culture, leading to unique social and political interactions.

• Exclave: A portion of sovereign territory that is geographically separated from the main area of the state, posing administrative challenges.

• European Union: A supranational entity formed in 2007 to facilitate cooperation in trade, borders, monetary policy, and more, resembling a federal structure.

• Shatterbelt: Areas vulnerable to external pressures and conflicts, often marked by cultural and political fragmentation.

• Shatterbelt Theory: Cohen's prediction that conflicts would emerge in geographically strategic regions during the Cold War era.

• New World Order: Post-Cold War ideological framework envisioning a cooperative global environment without dominance by superpower competition.

• Domino Theory: A Cold War doctrine suggesting that the fall of one nation to communism would lead to the spread of communism to neighboring states.

• Supranationalism: The cooperative alignment of sovereign states working together for common objectives, often in trade or policy.

• Supranational Organizations: Entities formed to promote cooperation through trade alliances, focusing on shared goals among member states.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 8 of AP Human Geography. Each card provides a term and its definition, helping you master concepts such as balance of power, boundaries, and city-states. Perfect for revision and deeper understanding of geopolitical structures.