Defining Devolutionary Factors (College Board AP® Human Geography)
Study Guide
Written by: Kristin Tassin
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
What Factors Lead to the Devolution of States?
Devolution is the transfer of power from the central government to subnational levels of government at the regional or local level
Governments will often devolve powers to the local or regional levels to diffuse demands from groups that might otherwise wish to separate from the country
Devolution can occur in both unitary and federal states
Forces that lead to devolution in a country include:
physical geography
ethnic separatism
ethnic cleansing
terrorism
economic and social problems
irredentism
Physical geography
The physical geography of a state can lead to devolution
Large countries may find it difficult to keep their population unified
Physical boundaries, such as mountainous terrain, that make it difficult for a central state to maintain authority over an outlying area can lead to devolution
The movement for Basque independence is an example of this devolutionary pressure
Ethnic separatism
Ethnic separatism refers to the desire for full political separation from the larger political unit for a particular cultural or ethnic group
Ethnic separatist movements tend to focus on differences of religion, language, or ethnicity within a country
Quebec is an example of an ethnic separatist movement based on language
Ethnic cleansing
Ethnic cleansing refers to the mass killing or expulsion of members of a specific ethnic, religious, or cultural group in an attempt to permanently remove them from the country
Terrorism
Terrorism refers to violence committed against civilians for political purposes
Economic and social issues
Economic and social issues can lead to devolution
The fight for control of natural resources between two groups within a country can lead to calls for devolution
Wealthier areas may wish to split from less advanced areas
The Catalan independence movement in Spain is an example of a devolutionary movement based on economics
Social splits between populations based on language or culture can lead to devolution
Belgium is an example of devolutionary tension based on social issues, particularly language
Within Belgium there:
is a federal government
are three regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels Capital
are three language communities, Flemish, French and German
Irredentism
Irredentism refers to the desire of a state to annex an additional territory whose population is ethnically, religiously, or culturally similar
The Russian annexation of Crimea is an example of irredentism
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You should be familiar with certain, recurring examples of devolution for the AP Exam. For example, Canada’s Quebec province faces devolutionary pressures due to differences in language and cultural identity. Spain faces devolutionary pressures in the Basque and Catalan regions. In Spain, these devolutionary pressures have to do with language and cultural differences, as well as economic concerns. Nigeria faces devolutionary pressures in its north and south as a result of ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences, as well as conflict over resources.
Worked Example
Complete all parts of the following question:
Define devolution
Answer
The breakup of a state, or the transfer of power from the central government to local governments.
Describe how each of the following might contribute to devolutionary pressures within a country
a. Cultural diversity
Answer
Differences in religion or ethnicity are centrifugal forces and separate populations.
b. Linguistic diversity
Answer
Linguistic difference is a centrifugal force and separates populations
c. Economic differences
Answer
Socioeconomic inequality, lack of access to infrastructure or government services in some regions, and conflict over resources are all centrifugal forces that separate population
d. Physical geography
Answer
Difficult to navigate terrain, such as mountainous areas or multiple islands; significant distance from the capital city; and lack of infrastructure, such as roads are all centrifugal forces.
e. Territorial size
Answer
In large countries, especially ones with heterogeneous populations, small regions, especially if they are occupied by a distinct ethnic or cultural group, may want to separate from the country. Significant distance between different areas of a country or separation from main cities also serve as centrifugal forces.
Identify and describe ONE possible tactic separatist groups might use.
Answer
Groups that want to separate from a country may use any of the following: terrorism, petition for increased autonomy, referendums for independence.
Identify and explain ONE way a government might respond to devolutionary pressures.
Answer
A government might give increased autonomy to separatist regions in order to try to prevent them from leaving the country completely. National governments may also allow for more cultural expression, such as dual national languages, to try to placate separatist groups. On the other hand, the government may try to promote nationalist initiatives or even use violence against breakaway groups.
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