Political Divisions

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Political Divisions

• SOL WG.10a, b

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Essential Questions

• What are some examples of political divisions at
  the local and regional levels?
• What are some reasons for political divisions at
  the local and regional levels?
• How do political divisions generate conflicts?

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Essential Questions

• Why do political divisions cooperate?
• What are some examples of political divisions are
  the national and international levels?

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Examples of Political Divisions

• Neighborhoods
• Election districts
• School districts
• Regional districts
• Cities
• Counties
• States

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Reasons for Divisions

• Desire for government closer to home
• Need to solve local problems
• Need to administer resources more efficiently

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Reasons for Conflict

• Boundary disputes
• Cultural differences
• Economic differences
• Competition for scarce resources
• Political advantages (gerrymandering)

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Reasons for Cooperation

• Natural disasters
• Economic advantages
• Cultural similarities
• Addressing regional issues

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International Political Divisions

• North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• European Union
• Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries
• North American Free Trade Agreements
• United Nations

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International Political Divisions

• Organization of American States
• League of Arab States
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• African Union

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NATO
A political alliance of 26 countries from Europe
and North America that has pledged to safeguard
freedom and democracy.
Key members United States, France, Britain,
Germany
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EU
An economic and political union of 27 democratic
European countries. It introduced a common
currency called the Euro.
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OPEC
OPEC sets the price and production of oil for
member countries. Key members are Saudi Arabia,
Iraq, Iran, and UAE.
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NAFTA
NAFTA is a trade agreement that was signed by the
United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAFTA
eliminated most tariffs between the three members
creating a free trade zone.
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United Nations
192/195 nations are members of the United
Nations. The purpose of the UN is to promote
world peace and security.
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OAS
The OAS is a political union that includes all 35
countries in North And South America.
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League of Arab States
The League of Arab States is composed of
countries that are Muslim and speak Arabic.
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ASEAN
ASEAN is an economic organization in
Southeast Asia.
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African Union
The African Union is a political organization in
Africa.
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Reasons for Political Divisions

• Differences in culture, language, religion
• Retention of historical boundaries
• Imperial conquest and control
• Economic similarities and differences

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Reasons for Conflict

• Boundary and territorial disputes
• Examples Syria/Israel, Western Sahara/Morocco,
  China/Taiwan, and India/Pakistan
• Cultural differences - Indonesia, Canada, Sudan
• Nationalism

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Reasons for Conflict

• Economic differences (fertile land, access to
  fresh water, access to coast, fishing rights,
  natural resources, different economic
  philosophies)
• Ethnic differences - Balkans, Cyprus, Kashmir

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Examples of Cooperation

• Red Cross/Red Crescent
• Law of the Sea
• Antarctica Treaty/UN peacekeepers
• Peace Corps
• Alliances for environmental preservation
• Foreign aid