4.4 Defining Political Boundaries
What are the three types of boundaries based on their identification methods?
Defined boundaries, delimited boundaries, and demarcated boundaries
What term is used to describe a disagreement over the location or demarcation of a border?
A border/boundary dispute
What are internal boundaries?
Internal boundaries are lines or divisions used to demarcate areas within a country, such as states or districts, often defining the jurisdiction and governance within those regions.
What is the difference between natural and geometric boundaries and provide one example of each?
Natural boundaries are based on physical features like rivers or mountains (e.g., the Rio Grande River between the U.S. and Mexico), while geometric boundaries are straight lines on a map (e.g., the U.S.-Canada border).
Why might border disputes be difficult to resolve?
Because they often involve complex legal, historical, and cultural issues
Give 2 reasons why internal boundaries may be formed.
Internal boundaries may form due to changes in population demographics or for administrative convenience and efficiency purposes.
How do cultural boundaries differ from economic boundaries?
Cultural boundaries are based on differences in language, religion, or ethnicity, while economic boundaries arise from trade routes or resource deposits.
Can you explain what definitional disputes are in the context of border conflicts?
Disagreements on how to interpret legal documents defining borders
What are the different types of gerrymandering and how do they work?
Gerrymandering most commonly includes "Packing," which concentrates opposing voters in a few districts, and "Cracking," dispersing them across multiple districts to weaken their impact on election outcomes. Other types of gerrymandering are called Stacking, Pairing, and Kidnapping.
Describe the militarized boundary concept and provide examples of heavily guarded borders around the world.
Militarized boundaries are heavily guarded borders (e.g., Korean DMZ, U.S.-Mexico border, India-Pakistan border) fortified to prevent unauthorized crossings and often involve military patrols and barriers.
Explain the concept of allocational disputes.
Allocational disputes involve conflicts over natural resources
Why is gerrymandering considered undemocratic?
Gerrymandering is deemed undemocratic as it distorts electoral boundaries to favor a particular political party, undermining fair representation and the principle of equal voting power for citizens.