Political Divisions SOL WG.10a, b

Essential Questions What are some examples of political divisions at the local and regional levels? What are some reasons for political divisions at the local and regional levels? How do political divisions generate conflicts?

Essential Questions Why do political divisions cooperate? What are some examples of political divisions are the national and international levels?

Examples of Political Divisions Neighborhoods Election districts School districts Regional districts Cities Counties States

Reasons for Divisions Desire for government closer to home Need to solve local problems Need to administer resources more efficiently

Reasons for Conflict Boundary disputes Cultural differences Economic differences Competition for scarce resources Political advantages (gerrymandering)

Reasons for Cooperation Natural disasters Economic advantages Cultural similarities Addressing regional issues

International Political Divisions North Atlantic Treaty Organization European Union Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries North American Free Trade Agreements United Nations

International Political Divisions Organization of American States League of Arab States Association of Southeast Asian Nations African Union

NATO A political alliance of 26 countries from Europe and North America that has pledged to safeguard freedom and democracy. Key members: United States, France, Britain, Germany

EU An economic and political union of 27 democratic European countries. It introduced a common currency called the Euro.

OPEC OPEC sets the price and production of oil for member countries. Key members are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and UAE.

NAFTA NAFTA is a trade agreement that was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAFTA eliminated most tariffs between the three members creating a free trade zone.

United Nations 192/195 nations are members of the United Nations. The purpose of the UN is to promote world peace and security.

OAS The OAS is a political union that includes all 35 countries in North And South America.

League of Arab States The League of Arab States is composed of countries that are Muslim and speak Arabic.

ASEAN ASEAN is an economic organization in Southeast Asia.

African Union The African Union is a political organization in Africa.

Reasons for Political Divisions Differences in culture, language, religion Retention of historical boundaries Imperial conquest and control Economic similarities and differences

Reasons for Conflict Boundary and territorial disputes Examples: Syria/Israel, Western Sahara/Morocco, China/Taiwan, and India/Pakistan Cultural differences - Indonesia, Canada, Sudan Nationalism

Reasons for Conflict Economic differences (fertile land, access to fresh water, access to coast, fishing rights, natural resources, different economic philosophies) Ethnic differences - Balkans, Cyprus, Kashmir

Examples of Cooperation Red Cross/Red Crescent Law of the Sea Antarctica Treaty/UN peacekeepers Peace Corps Alliances for environmental preservation Foreign aid