Political Divisions
Take a moment to examine this map of the world. Notice how the Earth's surface has political divisions, as indicated by various colors and borders drawn on the continents. When you look more closely at a map, you will discover most countries have even smaller divisions. This includes provinces, counties, and cities, as indicated by the various text labels within each country.
Regardless of a division's size, the purpose for creating them is to establish economic, social, and political control over a region. In this topic, you will learn more about political divisions. Specifically, you will discover why they exist, and how they can cause conflict or cooperation.
Essential Questions
- What are political divisions and why do they exist?
- How do political divisions create conflict?
- How do political divisions cause cooperation?
Warm-Up
A political division is a region where a group of people have established social, economic, and political control. With this definition in mind, read the following quotation from Thomas Jefferson:
"I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”
What do you think Jefferson means by this statement? Do you believe political leaders today have the same philosophy as Jefferson? Why or why not? What are potential positive and negative effects of establishing political divisions in different countries?
Post your responses to these questions in the discussion area. Then, return to the topic several times over the next few days to read your coursemates’ posts. Reply to at least two of them, being sure to offer new insights, ask questions, and encourage further conversation.