FRQ 1: Political Geography

1. Define the following terms and provide an example for each:
   • State
   • Nation
   • Nation-state
2. Explain one challenge faced by a multiethnic state in maintaining unity.
3. Compare the concept of a nation-state with that of a stateless nation, using examples to illustrate your points.

FRQ 2: Boundaries, Sovereignty, and Geopolitics

1. Describe the difference between a geometric boundary and a physical boundary, providing a real-world example of each.
2. Explain how superimposed boundaries have contributed to political tension or conflict in one specific region.
3. Analyze how sovereignty can be impacted by membership in supranational organizations like the European Union.

FRQ 3: Electoral Systems and Voting Patterns

1. Explain the concept of gerrymandering and identify one way it affects political representation.
2. Compare and contrast the electoral systems of single-member districts and proportional representation in shaping voting outcomes.
3. Using an example, discuss how voting patterns in urban versus rural areas can reflect broader political or cultural divisions.

FRQ 4: Territorial Disputes

1. Define irredentism and provide a historical or contemporary example.
2. Discuss the role of resources in creating territorial disputes, citing one specific case study.
3. Explain how international organizations, such as the United Nations, attempt to mediate and resolve territorial disputes.

FRQ 5: Geopolitical Theories

1. Define the Heartland Theory and the Rimland Theory, and explain how each has been used to justify geopolitical strategies.
2. Discuss the relevance of either theory in the context of the Cold War.
3. Analyze how advancements in technology (e.g., air travel, satellite surveillance) challenge the assumptions of traditional geopolitical theories.

FRQ 6: International Organizations and Global Governance

1. Describe the role of the United Nations in promoting global security and peace.
2. Explain how economic alliances, such as NAFTA or the EU, influence political relationships between member states.
3. Discuss the challenges faced by international organizations in addressing global issues such as climate change or human rights violations.