Political Geography Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

Which treaty specified the boundaries between the US and UK regarding North Borneo and the Philippines?

Boundaries Treaty of 1930 (correct)

Treaty of Paris

Treaty of Manila

Treaty of Washington

What is the maximum distance, in nautical miles, that a country can claim as its territorial sea according to UNCLOS?

15 nautical miles

3 nautical miles

6 nautical miles

12 nautical miles (correct)

What is the purpose of the Constitution in a political organization?

It provides a set of rules for governance. (correct)

It defines the geographical boundaries.

It establishes trade agreements.

It outlines cultural heritage.

Which doctrine states that archipelagic states are treated as a single unit regarding the waters surrounding their islands?

Archipelagic Doctrine Signup and view all the answers

Which version of the Philippine Constitution removed references to colonial agreements for determining national boundaries?

1987 Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which imaginary line divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Equator Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Republic Act 9522, also known as the Philippine Archipelagic Baseline Law?

To define the maritime territory of the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

How does the location of the Tropic of Cancer differ from the Tropic of Capricorn?

Cancer is located in the Northern Hemisphere, Capricorn in the Southern. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurs when crossing the International Date Line from east to west?

The time becomes one day later. Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic feature characterizes the Philippines as an archipelago?

Multiple islands Signup and view all the answers

What do latitude lines measure in geographical terms?

Distance from the Equator. Signup and view all the answers

Which geographic indication describes the climate of the Philippines?

Tropical climate due to its equatorial position Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes absolute location from relative location?

Absolute location uses a grid system of longitude and latitude. Signup and view all the answers

What natural resources are notably abundant in the Philippines?

Marine resources Signup and view all the answers

Which event resulted in the transfer of rights over the Philippine archipelago from Spain to the US?

Treaty of Paris of 1898 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Prime Meridian?

It is used to determine time zones worldwide. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geography and Location of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia, north of the equator.
The country lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, contributing to its rich biodiversity and volcanic activity.
It has a tropical climate, ideal for agriculture, lush forests, and a wealth of marine resources.

Imaginary Lines on the Globe

Horizontal lines (latitude) measure distance north or south of the Equator.
Vertical lines (longitude) measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
The Equator divides the globe into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The Tropic of Cancer (23°N) and Tropic of Capricorn (23°S) mark the boundaries of the tropical zones.
The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres and serves as the basis for time zones.
The International Date Line (IDL) marks where the date changes by one day; traveling west adds a day while traveling east subtracts a day.

Locations and Boundaries

Absolute location is defined using longitude and latitude (grid system).
Relative location is based on nearby land features (vicinal location) and bodies of water (insular or maritime location).
Colonial agreements historically defined the Philippines’ territorial boundaries.

Historical Treaties and Agreements

Treaty of Paris (1898): Transferred ownership of the Philippine archipelago from Spain to the US.
Treaty of Washington (1900): Included Cagayan and Sibutu as part of the US territory from Spain.
Boundaries Treaty of 1930: Defined borders between the US territory (Philippines) and the UK protectorate (North Borneo).

International Law and the Philippine Territory

UNCLOS defines the territorial sea as extending 12 nautical miles from a country’s baseline, under its jurisdiction, while allowing foreign ships passage.
The Archipelagic Doctrine acknowledges archipelagic states as singular units, including all surrounding waters as part of their maritime territory.

Constitutional References

The 1935 Philippine Constitution recognized colonial agreements as bases for territorial limits.
The 1973 and 1987 Constitutions removed historical references as bases for boundaries.
Republic Act 9522 (2009): Established maritime territories of the Philippines consistent with UNCLOS.

Key Facts About the Philippines

The country is rich in endemic flora and fauna due to its unique geographic location.
Its maritime resources are substantial, benefiting the economy and biodiversity.
The Philippines' ideal agricultural conditions are influenced by its tropical climate and rich soil.

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Description

Explore key concepts in political geography, including definitions of territory, constitution, and politics. This quiz will test your understanding of how geographical areas are governed and the importance of maps in identifying locations like the Philippines.