AP Human Geography 2019 Question 3 Sample Responses

AP Human Geography 2019 Question 3 Sample Responses

AP Human Geography Question 3 focuses on devolution, exploring its definition and the contributing forces such as cultural diversity, regional economic differences, and physical geography. This resource includes sample student responses and scoring commentary from the 2019 exam, providing insights into how students articulated their understanding of devolutionary pressures in countries like Spain and Nigeria. Ideal for AP Human Geography students preparing for the exam, this material offers practical examples and scoring guidelines to enhance comprehension of complex geographical concepts.

Key Points

  • Defines devolution as the transfer of power from central to regional governments.
  • Explains how cultural diversity can lead to devolutionary pressures in countries.
  • Describes the impact of regional economic differences on political autonomy.
  • Analyzes the role of physical geography in contributing to devolutionary movements.
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2019
AP
®
Human Geography
Sample Student Responses
and Scoring Commentary
Set 1
Inside:
Free Response Question 3
• Scoring Guideline
•
Student Samples
•
Scoring Commentary
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registered trademarks of the College Board. Visit the College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
AP Central is the official online home for the AP Program: apcentral.collegeboard.org.
AP
®
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
2019 SCORIN
G GUIDELINES
Question 3
6 points: 1 + 3 + 2
A. Define devolution. (1 point)
A1. The breakup of a state
A2. The movement of power from a central government to regional governments (or subnational governments)
within the state
A3. The transfer of some central powers or ceding of authority to regional or local governments
A4. Transfer of some power from a state to a self-identified community within it to accommodate separatist
pressures
A5. The process whereby regions within a state demand and gain political strength and growing autonomy
at the expense of the central government
A6. Recognition or creation of regional governments with varying degrees of autonomy and local administrative
control (multilevel government) while the state retains authority over countrywide concerns, such as
monetary policy, defense, and foreign relations
B. Describe how EACH of the following forces contributes to devolutionary pressures within a
country.
(3 points: 1 point for each) Res
ponse must specifically describe how each factor contributes to devolutionary
pressures (e.g., a desire for autonomy/separation/statehood, areas or peoples who are isolated or less
connected, increasing centrifugal forces within the country).
Forces
De
scription
Cultural diversity
B1.
Differences in language, religion, history, or ethnicity
Regional economic
differences
B2. Inequality, uneven economic development or differences in predominant
economic activities
Physical geography
and territorial size
B3.
Physical features or barriers, such as mountains or bodies of water
B4. Distance between capital or core areas and the periphery
B5. Bar
riers to infrastructure, communication, or connectivity, e.g., lack of roads,
railroads
B6. Regional differences in the location or availability of natural resources
B7. In large countries, smaller areas may want autonomy or separation
B8. Comparatively smaller territories or regions within a country
C. I
dentify and explain ONE political impact resulting from devolutionary pressures related to
cultural differences in either Spain or Nigeria.
(2 points: 1 identification + 1 explanation)
© 2019 The College Board.
Visit the College Board on the Web: collegeboard.org.
AP
®
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
2019 SCORING GUIDELINES
Question 3 (continued)
Country
Identification
Explanation
Spain
1.
Factors of secession or
division
• secessionist movements or
attempted secession
• vote for independence or
self-determination
• irredentism
• terrorism or violent conflict
1a. Full separation from Spain resulting in regional population’s ability
t
o communicate in their own language (Catalan, Galician, or Basque)
in schools, business, or government
1b. Region’s peoples would have their own identity, political system,
national heritage (e.g., cultural history, holidays, festivals, traditions)
1c. To reunify a culture currently divided between Spain and a
neighboring country
1d. Armed conflict as a means for political change
2. Factors of autonomy
• limited autonomy
• limited self-determination
2a. Autonomous regions were created to increase local control of
regional languages and reduce tensions with the majority (Castilian-
speaking) Spanish country or population and decrease the appeal of
a separatist movement
2b. Allowance for a dual culture or dual society that embraces separate
cultural identities or separate nations
3. Factors of unification
• unification or reunification
• Spanish nationalism
• zero autonomy
• preservation of Spanish
constitutional monarchy
• increasing authoritarianism
3a. Spanish state (or EU) currently functions as a multicultural society
(despite economic woes)
3b. Spanish military or police forces used in response to regional votes
and associated protests
3c. Spanish nationalism being promoted by the central government
3d. Spain faces challenges to political unity due to internal cultural
factions
Nigeria 4. Factors of secession or
d
ivision
• secessionist movements or
attempted secession
• vote for independence or
self-determination
• irredentism
• terrorism or violent conflict
4a. Religious differences have led to regional social movements
4b. Ethnic (tribal) differences have led to regional social movements
4c. Ethnic conflict, Ogoni movement, Biafra, Nigerian civil war, Islamist
movements (e.g., Boko Haram, sharia law)
5. Factors of autonomy
• allowance for multiple legal
systems
• limited autonomy
• limited self-determination
5a. Acceptance of many cultures or multicultural society that embraces
separate cultural identities or separate nations
5b. Government allowing for multiple legal systems within the federal
state (e.g., [English] common law, tribal or customary legal systems,
sharia)
5c. Linguistic differences have led to regional social movements
6. Factors of unification
• maintaining federal state or
confederation
• unification or reunification
• zero autonomy
• federal popular elections
6a. Movement of the capital to help bridge the cultural divide and shed
the colonial past
6b. Nigerian federal state allows for more ethnonational political
representation
6c. Nigerian nationalism being promoted by the central government
6d. Nigeria faces challenges to political unity due to i nternal cultural
factions.
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FAQs of AP Human Geography 2019 Question 3 Sample Responses

What is devolution in the context of human geography?
Devolution refers to the transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments. This process can occur when regions within a state seek greater autonomy or self-determination, often driven by cultural, economic, or geographic factors. In human geography, understanding devolution is crucial for analyzing political dynamics and regional identities within states.
How does cultural diversity contribute to devolutionary pressures?
Cultural diversity can create tensions within a state, as different ethnicities, languages, and religions may seek recognition and autonomy. For instance, in countries like Nigeria, varying cultural identities can lead to demands for self-governance and political representation. These pressures can result in movements for independence or greater regional control, highlighting the significance of cultural factors in political geography.
What are some examples of devolutionary movements in Spain?
In Spain, regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country have pursued greater autonomy due to distinct cultural identities and historical grievances. These movements often manifest in calls for independence or increased self-governance, reflecting the desire of these regions to preserve their languages and traditions. The Spanish government's response to these movements has included both concessions and crackdowns, illustrating the complex interplay between regional aspirations and national unity.
What role does physical geography play in devolution?
Physical geography can significantly impact devolutionary pressures by creating barriers that isolate regions from central authority. For example, mountainous areas may hinder communication and transportation, leading to a sense of separation from the national government. Additionally, the size of a country can influence how regions perceive their relationship with the central government, as larger nations may have more pronounced regional disparities.
What is the significance of regional economic differences in devolution?
Regional economic differences can exacerbate feelings of inequality and injustice, prompting calls for greater autonomy. When certain areas experience economic prosperity while others lag behind, discontent can grow, leading to demands for self-governance. This economic disparity often fuels separatist movements, as regions seek to control their resources and economic policies to better serve their populations.

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