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Topic 4.8

Enduring Understanding

Political, economic, cultural, or technological changes can challenge state sovereignty.  

Topic 4.8: Defining Devolutionary Factors

Essential Knowledge

  • Factors that can lead to the devolution of states include the division of groups by physical geography, ethnic separatism, ethnic cleansing, terrorism, economic and social problems, and irredentism.  

Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to regional governments. 

Factors that contribute include: 

  • Physical Geography: Mountains, islands, or distance can isolate groups. Example: Basque region. 
  • Ethnic Separatism: Groups seek independence based on culture or identity. Example: Catalonia. 
  • Ethnic Cleansing: Violent attempts to remove a minority group. 
  • Terrorism: Groups use violence to demand autonomy. 
  • Economic Problems: Unequal development can create resentment. 
  • Irredentism: Desire to unite people who share a cultural identity but are separated by borders. Example: Russia in Crimea. 

Contextualization: 

Video 1: 

This video looks at the complex relationship at the border of Hong Kong and China. 

Video 2: 

Video 3:  

In Practice

Essential Question: 

Define how technology could make devolutionary pressures increase or decrease.  

Conceptual Analysis: 

  1. In what ways is Brexit an example of devolution?  
  2. Differentiate between a federation and a confederation? 

Vocab Review:  

Provide a shorthand working definition for each of the following terms. This means it needs to be in YOUR OWN WORDS. 

  • Autonomous Region  
  • Semi-Autonomous Region  
  • Devolution  

MCQ

(You only need to write the letter of the answer that you select)

1. Which of the following factors most directly contributes to centrifugal forces by increasing regional isolation within a state?

A. Shared national language
B. Strong transportation networks
C. Mountainous terrain separating populations
D. National education standards

2. The movement for independence in Catalonia is most closely associated with

A. irredentism
B. ethnic separatism
C. supranationalism
D. devolution

3. Which scenario best illustrates irredentism?

A. A minority group seeks greater representation within its current state.
B. A government grants additional powers to regional authorities.
C. A state attempts to annex territory inhabited by people who share its cultural identity.
D. A terrorist organization attacks government buildings to gain media attention.

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