The document discusses political geography, defining states and nations, and various types of government, including democracy, monarchy, dictatorship, and communism. It also covers geographic characteristics that affect nations, such as size, shape, location, and boundaries, alongside urban geography concepts like metropolitan areas and land use patterns. Additionally, it addresses the functions of cities in terms of business, education, entertainment, and social services.

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

7. Urban Geography Ch. 4, Sec. 4

8. Urban areas develop around a central city Suburbs = built up area around central city Exurbs = cities or towns with space btw. them and the central city All 3 = Metropolitan area Megalopolis = more than one metropolitan area that has grown together

9. Exurb Exurb Suburbs Central City Exurb Exurb Exurb

10. City locations Cities grew for easy transportation access Rivers, coast line, railroads Specialize in what is available around them Ex: Pittsburgh – close to iron ore and coal sources = produce steel

11. Land Use Residential Industrial – manufacturing goods Commercial – buying and selling of goods Central business district – core of the city that focuses on commercial activities

12. Functions of a city Business Entertainment Education Cultural activities Religious and social services