14: The Forms and the Expansion of States, and the Geography of Representation Flashcards
expand and develop, driven by certain forces such as the need for more territorial resources
states
the power is concentrated in the central government
unitas (unity) or unus (one)
implies homogeneity and cohesiveness among its inhabitants
distribution of power among local governments is
controlled by a central authority
unitary
pros and cons of unitary
pros
- include uniformity of laws and policies
- local and national disputes are less frequent
cons
- some local problems cannot be readily addressed
- allocations of funds may be unequal, with some local governments left out
compact in shape
- densely populated, equal distribution of inhabitants among all areas
- no vast uninhabited area as they may lead to isolation and regionalism
- central core should be at least distance to all its peripheral areas
having a compact territory does not guarantee a unified State
unitary State
allocates power to units of local government within
the country
permits representation by the central government where they have a common interest, but each local unit has its own entity, capital city, own leaders, and internal budget
federal form of government
pros and cons of federal
pros
- specific set of laws and policies for the locality, greater freedom to choose or move into another state
- accommodation of regional preferences and diversity.
cons
- since individual localities have state-specific laws, citizens all over the federation may experience different levels of welfare and the competencies and efficiency of each state government will not be the same
-may lead to disunity, disagreement, and conflict
between the local governments and the central government
- extension of state authority over the political and economic life of other territories
- does not necessarily imply formal governmental control over the dominated area
- in form of military threat, economic sanctions and
trappings, or cultural domination. - always involves some form of authoritative contro
- begins with exploration—by the imperializing State’s perception that there is a scarcity or lack of critical natural resources—and
culminates in colonization
Imperialism
- form of imperialism that involves the formal establishment and maintenance of rule by over foreign population through establishment of settlements
- results in political dominance by the colonizer, it is not always the case
- Britain
Colonialism
two general types of colonization
Primary colonization
Secondary colonization
when a colonizer occupies lands and dominates the indigenous populations
Primary colonization
occurs when a colonizing power acquires virtually empty territory.
Secondary colonization
several ways of colonization process
Paternalism
Assimilation
Indirect rule
- adopted by the Belgians over their African colonies (e.g. Rwanda, Congo). Under this policy, the colonizer manages the affairs of a colony in the manner of a
father, especially in usurping individual responsibility and the liberty of choice. For instance, prohibit purchase of liquor and impose curfews
Paternalism
This was basis of the French colonial power in establishing its colonies. The French taught their colonies the French language and culture so that they could eventually
become French
Assimilation
- practiced in places with small immigrant European populations, and limited manpower and
resources - penetrate peacefully instead of resorting to violence and conquest
- policy was implemented by the British colonial power over India and Nigeria
Indirect rule
