AP Human Geography Mock Exam Review

Population & Migration

100

What is the difference between arithmetic density and physiological density?

Arithmetic density is the total number of people per unit of land, while physiological density is the total number of people per unit of arable (farmable) land.

200

What is the demographic transition model (DTM), and what does it explain?

The Demographic Transition Model (DTM) explains how populations change over time due to birth rates, death rates, and economic development, moving through five stages.

300

Name two major push factors and two pull factors that influence migration.

• Push factors: War, natural disasters, economic hardship, political instability.

• Pull factors: Job opportunities, political freedom, better living conditions, educational opportunities.

400

What is chain migration, and how does it impact ethnic enclaves?

Chain migration occurs when migrants follow family or community members to a new location, often forming ethnic enclaves (e.g., Chinatown in San Francisco).

500

Compare and contrast forced migration and voluntary migration with specific historical examples.

• Forced migration: Movement due to conflict, persecution, or environmental disasters (e.g., Syrian refugee crisis).

• Voluntary migration: Movement for economic or lifestyle reasons (e.g., migration from Mexico to the U.S. for work).

Cultural Patterns & Processes

100

What is cultural diffusion? Give an example.

Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural elements from one region to another (e.g., McDonald's spreading globally).

200

Define folk culture and popular culture. How do they differ?

• Folk culture is small, homogeneous, and often isolated (e.g., Amish communities).

• Popular culture is widespread, changes frequently, and is influenced by mass media (e.g., fast fashion, pop music).

300

What is an example of a cultural landscape, and how does it reflect human-environment interaction?

A cultural landscape is a visible imprint of human activity on the environment, such as temples, roads, and farms (e.g., the Great Wall of China).

400

What is the difference between a universalizing religion and an ethnic religion? Give one example of each.

• Universalizing religions seek converts and are widespread (e.g., Christianity, Islam).

• Ethnic religions are tied to specific groups and regions (e.g., Hinduism, Judaism).

500

Explain how globalization has affected local cultures, providing a specific example.

Globalization spreads cultural traits but can also threaten traditional customs (e.g., American fast food replacing local cuisines).

Political Geography

100

What is a nation-state? Provide an example.

A nation-state is a country where the political borders align with a distinct cultural group (e.g., Japan).

200

What is the difference between a federal state and a unitary state?

• Federal state: Power is shared between central and regional governments (e.g., the U.S., Canada).

• Unitary state: Power is centralized (e.g., France, China).

300

What is gerrymandering, and how does it impact elections?

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party, often leading to unfair representation.

400

Explain the concept of supranationalism and give an example.

Supranationalism refers to multiple countries working together for political, economic, or military benefits (e.g., the European Union, NATO, the United Nations).

500

How do antecedent, relic, and subsequent boundaries differ? Provide examples.

• Antecedent boundary: Created before human settlement (e.g., the U.S.-Canada border).
• Relic boundary: No longer in use but still visible (e.g., the Berlin Wall).
• Subsequent boundary: Established after settlement, often based on cultural differences (e.g., India and Pakistan).

Urbanization & Cities

100

What is a megacity? Give an example.

A megacity has over 10 million people (e.g., Tokyo, Mexico City).

200

What is suburbanization, and why did it increase in the U.S. after World War II?

Suburbanization increased in the U.S. after WWII due to highway expansion, affordable housing (Levittown), and economic prosperity.

300

How does the concentric zone model explain urban structure?

The Concentric Zone Model explains urban growth as a series of rings, with the CBD (Central Business District) at the center and residential areas expanding outward.

400

What are some challenges faced by cities in less developed countries (LDCs)?

Challenges for cities in less developed countries (LDCs) include rapid urbanization, lack of infrastructure, housing shortages, and informal settlements (e.g., favelas in Brazil).

500

Compare the multiple-nuclei model and the sector model in explaining urban growth.

• Multiple-Nuclei Model: Cities develop around multiple centers, not just one CBD (e.g., Los Angeles).
• Sector Model: Cities grow in wedge-shaped sectors based on transportation and land use (e.g., Chicago).

Economic Develpoment & Industry

100

What is GDP, and how does it measure economic development?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders.

200

What is the difference between a primary, secondary, and tertiary economic activity?

• Primary sector: Extracts raw materials (e.g., farming, mining).
• Secondary sector: Manufactures goods (e.g., factory work).
• Tertiary sector: Provides services (e.g., retail, banking).

300

Explain Wallerstein’s World-Systems Theory and how it classifies countries.

Wallerstein’s World-Systems Theory divides countries into three categories:

• Core: Developed, high-income nations (e.g., U.S., Germany).
• Semi-periphery: Developing nations with emerging economies (e.g., Mexico, India).
• Periphery: Less developed, reliant on core nations (e.g., Chad, Haiti).

400

How do free trade agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA) impact economies?

Free trade agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA) remove tariffs and encourage trade between countries, benefiting some industries but harming others (e.g., U.S. manufacturing job losses).

500

How does the HDI (Human Development Index) measure a country’s development?

Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country’s development based on life expectancy, education, and income per capita.