1. Political Geography Ch. 4, Sec. 3

2. State – independent unit in a specific area that governs their own affairs Nation – group of people with a common culture living in a territory and having a strong sense of unity When the 2 are together = nation-state

3. Types of Government Democracy – citizens hold power (direct/ representative) Monarchy – ruling family holds the power Dictatorship – an individual or group holds all the power Communism – nearly all political power and means of production (economy) are held by the gov’t in the name of the people

4. Geographic Characteristics of Nations Size – size = power Shape Affects governing, trade and travel

5. Geographic Characteristics Location Landlocked – no direct route to sea Can help increase trade or cause a need for protection

6. National Boundaries Establishes limits of control Natural bnd. – based on physical features of the land Artificial bnd. – fixed line generally following latitude or longitude lines