Question 1: Define 'geopolitical' and provide an example within the context of US politics.

Answer: Geopolitical refers to the influence of geographic factors on politics; for example, the strategic importance of the Panama Canal in US foreign policy.

Question 2: What is a 'boundary dispute'? Provide a brief example involving US states or territories.

Answer: A boundary dispute is a disagreement over the location of a border; an example is the ongoing dispute between New Mexico and Texas over border delineation.

Question 3: Explain what is meant by 'state sovereignty' with reference to US states.

Answer: State sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference; US states have sovereignty over their own laws and policies.

Question 4: Define 'federalism' and how it functions in the US political system.

Answer: Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central government and constituent political units; in the US, it divides power between the federal government and states.

Question 5: What is an 'electoral district'? How does it relate to political geography?

Answer: An electoral district is a geographically defined area represented by a representative; it influences political representation and resource allocation.

Question 1: Which US state has the largest land area?

Answer: Alaska

Question 2: Name the US city that is often considered the political capital of the country.

Answer: Washington, D.C.

Question 3: Identify the primary purpose of the Electoral College in US elections.

Answer: To elect the President based on state votes

Question 4: What is the significance of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in US political geography?

Answer: It aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, affecting electoral boundaries and political representation.

Question 1: Describe the impact of the boundaries of Native American reservations on state jurisdiction and resource management.

Answer: The boundaries of reservations create jurisdictional complexities, often limiting state authority and affecting resource rights, leading to legal disputes and negotiations.

Question 2: Analyze how the division of Texas and Oklahoma affects regional political identities and resource sharing.

Answer: The division influences regional identities by reinforcing cultural differences, while resource sharing is impacted by boundary delineations that complicate transportation, water rights, and economic collaboration.

Question 1: Explain why boundary disputes between US states often arise over natural resources.

Answer: Boundary disputes over natural resources occur because states seek control over valuable assets like water, minerals, or oil, leading to conflicts over jurisdiction, rights, and economic benefits.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of political fragmentation within the US, such as regionalism and partisan divides.

Answer: Causes include historical regional identities, economic disparities, and ideological differences, which contribute to political fragmentation and influence electoral outcomes and policy-making.

Question 1: To what extent have federal policies succeeded in reducing regional conflicts and boundary disputes in the US?

Answer: Federal policies have had mixed success; while laws and judicial decisions have resolved some disputes, ongoing issues related to resource rights, reservation boundaries, and regional identities continue to challenge effective management, requiring adaptive and inclusive strategies.