Introduction to Geography and Political Systems
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the Earth from a spatial perspective. It is divided into:
- Regional geography: This branch studies the different regions of the Earth.
- General geography: This branch focuses on formulating principles that analyze phenomena affecting the Earth.
Geographers use various sources of information to conduct their studies. Geography helps us describe the Earth and its people, understand and explain Earth’s space, and make informed decisions.
Types of Maps
- Topographic maps: These maps show the relief of an area, displaying the environment and human activity.
- Thematic maps: These maps represent the distribution of a specific feature, such as population or weather patterns.
Elements of a map: Title, geographic coordinate system, orientation symbol, toponymy, scale, and legend.
Geographic Coordinate System
The geographic coordinate system comprises imaginary lines called parallels and meridians.
- Parallels: Circles perpendicular to meridians. The largest parallel is the Equator, dividing the Earth into two hemispheres at 0° latitude. Latitude represents the degrees north or south of the Equator.
- Meridians: Half circles connecting the North and South poles. The prime meridian passes through Greenwich. Longitude represents degrees east or west of the prime meridian.
Graphs in Geography
A graph is a visual representation of numerical data. Geographers use graphs to organize study results and show data evolution over time. Common types of graphs include line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts.
Political Systems
States
A state is a political unit with supreme authority over a territory and its inhabitants. It represents how a society is organized. A state comprises:
- Territory: A defined area with boundaries separating it from other states.
- Population: Permanent residents of the territory, known as citizens.
- Laws: Rules and regulations governing the state.
- Symbols: Representations of the state’s identity.
A nation is a group of people with a shared identity, often synonymous with a country. States have rights and duties towards their citizens, enforced through laws and sanctions. All citizens have equal rights and responsibilities.
States establish institutions such as police, armed forces, diplomatic corps, and civil servants to maintain order and provide services.
Distribution of Power
States can be categorized based on their distribution of power:
- Centralized state (e.g., France)
- Autonomous regions (e.g., Spain, Italy)
- Federal state (e.g., USA, Germany)
- Confederal state (e.g., Switzerland)
Functions of the State
States perform essential functions, including:
- Maintaining order and security
- Defending the territory
- Passing and enforcing laws
- Regulating the economy
- Establishing international relations
Welfare State
A welfare state aims to provide all citizens with an acceptable standard of living. States use tax revenue to fund services like education, healthcare, social care, and pensions.
Forms of Government
Democratic State
A democratic state is characterized by rule by the people. Key aspects include:
- Citizen participation: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.
- Inclusivity: All citizens have the right to vote.
- Periodic elections: Elections are held regularly (e.g., every four years in Spain).
- Open and fair elections: Voting is secret and conducted fairly.
- Separation of powers: Power is divided among different branches of government to prevent any one person or entity from having absolute control.
- Constitution: A supreme law defining the state, its obligations, citizen rights, and limitations on institutional power.
Dictatorship
A dictatorship concentrates power in the hands of a single person or a small group. Dictators often use force or coercion to maintain control. Characteristics include:
- Suppression of institutions
- No separation of powers
- Limited or no citizen participation
- Human rights violations
Other Forms of Government
- Monarchy: The head of state is a king or queen, with power passed down through heirs (e.g., Spain).
- Republic: The head of state is a president, elected by citizens.
- Theocracy: Religious laws and authorities govern the state.
International Relations
Relationships Between States
States establish relationships with other countries, ideally based on peace and cooperation. They sign treaties, pacts, and agreements to establish obligations and collaborate in areas like trade, security, and education.
International Organizations
International organizations are voluntary associations created by states to promote common interests. They may have a specific geographical scope or focus on particular objectives.
United Nations
: was founded in 1945 after the world war 2 and intervene with peace in conflicts between countries. -Principal Objectives: support human rights, maintain peace and promote international cooperation. -Main bodies: general assembly, security council and secretarial. -Agencies: unicef, unesco, fao, who, unhcr, ilo.
-The states are organised in: smaller units, in three levels of goverment: central, regional and local. -Spain is divided in 17 regions, each region is divided into provinde and each provinde is divided into municipalities.