1. The Spatial Organization of States
January 17, 2014
The Spatial Organization of States

2. Systems of States
Unitary System: one that concentrates all policymaking powers in one central geographic place (European States)
Confederal System: spreads the power among many sub-units and has a weak federal government (Switzerland)
Federal System: divides power between strong central government and sub-units (US, Canada, Australia)

3. Boundaries
A state is separated from its neighbor by boundaries, or invisible lines that mark the extent of a state’s territory and the control the leaders have
Historically, frontiers separated states
Frontier: a geographic zone where no state exercises power
Ex: Antarctica and the Rub al-Khali
The most complex borders in the world

4. Types of Boundaries
Physical Boundary: Rivers, lakes, and oceans are the most common; also include mountains and deserts
Law of the Sea: coastal boundaries extend 12 nautical miles from the coast

5. Types of Boundaries
Cultural Boundaries: boundary set by ethnic differences such as language and religion
Ex: India and Pakistan
Geometric Boundaries: straight, imaginary lines that generally have a reason behind them

6. Functions of Boundaries
Boundaries serve as symbols of sovereignty, or the ability of the state to carry out actions or policies within its borders
Sovereignty promotes nationalism, or a sense of unity with fellow citizens and loyalty to the state
Internal Boundaries: boundaries within a state
Ex: The United States, Canada, China

7. Boundary Disputes
Almost half of the world’s states have been involved in boundary disputes
Positional Dispute: occurs when states argue about where the boundary actually is
Ex: Argentina and Chile

8. Boundary Disputes
Territorial Disputes: arise over ownership of a region, usually around mutual border
Usually one state claims the other should belong to them due to ethnic and language commonalities
Ex: German invasion of Poland

9. Boundary Disputes
Resource Dispute: dispute involving natural resources that lie in border areas
Ex: Iraq and Kuwait
Functional Dispute: arise when neighboring states cannot agree on policies that arise in a border area
Ex: US and Mexico border

10. Electoral Geography
Electoral Process: the methods used in a country for selecting its leaders
Electoral Geography: the study of how the spatial configuration of electoral districts and voting patterns reflect and influence social life
Gerrymandering: the attempt to redraw boundaries to improve chances of winning election
Minority/Majority Districting: rearranging districts to allow a minority representative to be elected
Ex: North Carolina