States & Sovereignty
What is a state?
An area organized into a political unit ruled by an established government that controls internal and foriegn affairs.
What is a colony?
a territory that is legally tied to a sovereign state.
name a unitary state and a federal state
unitary: britain, france, china...
federal: russia, U.S., brazil...
what is a landlocked state? name one
Lacks direct outlet to a sea because it is completely surrounded by other countries. Ex. Zambia, Ethiopia
What is a microstate?
A state with a very small land area and human population.
What is colonialism?
one country builds settlements in a territory to impose its political, economic and cultural principles on that territory.
what are the three regime types and explain what they are...
Democracy: citizens elect leaders
Autocracy: leaders elected by the interest of other higher powers
Anocracy: mix of the two, democracy and autocracy
what is a compact state? name one
The distance from the center to any boundary does not vary significantly. Ex. Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
What is sovereignty?
Independence from control of its internal affairs by other states.
When did the colonial era start? Who started it?
Started in the 1400s by European explorers.
can you name a country with a democratic government?
U.S., Mexico, Canada
what is a prorupted state? name one
Similar to a compacted state, but with a large projecting extrusion of land. Ex. Namibia, Dem. Rep. Congo
What decides if a state is sovereign or not?
If a territory is capable of governing the area without foriegn interference, it makes it a sovereign state.
What is the most extensive and populous colony? What state controls it?
Western Sahara, controlled mostly by Morocco and some parts claimed by SADR
name a country with a autocratic government?
North Korea, China, Iran...
what is an elongated state? name one
Long a narrow shape. Sometimes to take control of resources. Ex. The Gambia
Why can determining if a state is sovereign be difficult?
Determining if a state is sovereign can be difficult due to the history and geography of certain places
What are the primary reasons european states established colonies around the world?
To promote Christianity
To establish power through the already colonies claimed.
can you name a country with an anocratic government?
Russia, somalia, algeria...
what is a perforated state? name one
A state that completely surrounds another state. Ex. South Africa surrounding Lesotho, Eswatini