Mastering the World Geography TEKS for the EOC

1. Mastering the World Geography TEKS for the EOC Unit 5: Political Geography

2. Types of Governments • TEKS to be covered in this section • Government 14 (B) Compare how democracy, dictatorship, monarchy, republic, theocracy, and totalitarian systems operate in specific countries.

3. Types of Governments Monarchy • The oldest form of government • Main characteristic is that ruler inherits power • Monarchs – kings, emperors, or sultans fulfill their role as supreme ruler by surrounding themselves with followers and advisors

4. Types of Governments Monarchy • Constitutional Monarchy- Modern monarchies share power with elected legislature • Great Britain is an example of a Constitutional Monarchy

5. Types of Governments Republic • Republic- a government without a King or Queen • People in a republic choose representatives to make decisions for them • The United States is an example of a republic

6. Types of Governments Democracy • In a Democracy, government authority is based on the will of the people • First democracy was in Athens, Greece • Direct Democracy- People vote on issues directly (Greece) • Representative Democracy- people are chosen to vote for their people (Rome)

7. Types of Governments Dictatorship • Dictatorship- a single person or small group exercise power over their people • Dictators either seize power by force or are placed in authority by others IdiAmin, Former President and Dictator of Uganda

8. Types of Governments Totalitarian Systems • In a Totalitarian System of government, all aspects of life are controlled by the government • Examples are the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany

9. Types of Governments Theocracy • A Theocracy is a government run by religious leaders • Theocracy is an old form of government • *VERY IMPORTANT* • Muslim religious leaders seized power in Iran in 1979. Iran has both a theocratic and democratic style of government. The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

10. Nations: Borders and Power • TEKS Covered in this Section • Government 13 The student understands the spatial characteristics of a variety of global political units. • Government 13 (B) Compare maps of voting patterns or political boundaries to make inferences about the distribution of political power. • Government 14 The student understands the processes that influence political divisions, relationships, and policies. • Government 14 (A) Analyze current events to infer the physical and human processes that lead to the formation of boundaries and other political divisions. • Government 14 (C) Analyze the human and physical factors that influence the power to control territory and resources, create conflict / war, and impact international political relations of sovereign nations such as China, the United States, Japan, and Russia and organized nation groups such as the United Nations, the European Union…

11. Nations: Borders and Power Political Regions • Each government has well established, clear boundaries • The area a government controls creates a Political Region • Levels of Government overlap • City, County, State, National

12. Nations: Borders and Power Political Maps • Political maps are designed to show boundaries separating different countries

13. Nations: Borders and Power International Relations and the “Balance of Power” • “Balance of Power” among sovereign nations is maintained by countries banding together to keep one country from becoming too powerful • World’s Major Powers include • United States • China • Russia • Japan • The United Nations • European Union

14. Political Processes and Citizenship • TEKS Covered in this Section • Citizenship 15 The student understands how different points of view and development of public policies and decision-making processes on the local, state and national, and international levels. • Citizenship 15 (A) Identify and give examples of different points of view that influence the development of public policies and decision-making processes on local, state, national, and international levels. • Citizenship 15 (B) Explain how citizenship, practices, public policies, and decision making may be influenced by cultural beliefs, including nationalism and patriotism. • Culture 18 Assess causes, effects, and perceptions of conflicts between groups of people, including … terrorism. • Social Studies Skills 21 (B) Locate places of contemporary geopolitical significance on a map. • Social Studies Skills 23 The student uses problem-solving and decision-making skills, working independently and with others, in a variety of settings. • Social Studies Skills 23 (B) Use case studies … to identify contemporary challenges and to answer real-world questions. • Social Studies Skills 23 (C) Use problem-solving and decision-making processes to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.

15. Political Processes and Citizenship Decision-Making Processes and Government Policies Use the steps located to the left to analyze the following question Should Texas students have to pass an End-of-Course test in Geography? • The steps one takes to make a good decision are known as the Decision-Making Process • Identify the problem • Gather information • Consider options • Consider advantages and disadvantages • Select, implement, and evaluate the best option • Governments make difficult decisions on a daily basis and must weigh their options for the good of their people

16. Political Processes and Citizenship The Importance of Different Points of View • When government leaders make decisions affecting millions of people, it is important for them to consider different points of view • Government officials often consult with a variety of advisors and experts on a subject when making a decision

17. Political Processes and Citizenship The Impact of Cultural Beliefs • Cultural Beliefs have a tremendous impact on government decision-making • Nationalism- the belief that each people or ethnic group should have its own government or nation-state. Nationalists believe their nation to be superior to all others • Patriotism- loyalty and support for one’s country. Citizens should obey their country’s laws and rally to its defense.

18. Political Processes and Citizenship Different Viewpoints on International Issues Take a few minutes to look up info on the following international hot-spots • Russia and Chechnya • Israel and Palestine • Iran and Nuclear Energy

19. Political Processes and Citizenship