Key

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION

1. What is the difference between a natural frontier and a political frontier?

• Natural frontiers are defined by physical geographical features such as mountains, rivers, or seas.

• Political frontiers are artificial boundaries established by agreements between states, often defined by geographical coordinates.

2. What physical factors can make the territorial organisation of a state difficult?

• Fragmenting factors like high mountain ranges, wide rivers, or extreme climates can isolate regions and hinder communication.

• Harsh weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow) can disrupt transportation networks.

3. What are the three main elements that make up a state?

1. Citizens (people governed by laws).

2. Territory (land, sea, and airspace).

3. Laws (a legal system, often defined by a constitution in democracies).

4. What are the functions of the executive branch of government?

• Enforces and applies laws.

• Manages state administration.

• Prepares and executes the national budget.

• Conducts foreign policy and national defense.

5. What are the main characteristics of a democracy compared to a dictatorship?

Democracy1

Dictatorship2

Citizens elect leaders through free elections.1

Power is concentrated in one leader or party.2

Multiple political parties exist.1

Opposition parties are banned or controlled.2

Rights and freedoms are protected by law.1

Citizens' rights are restricted.2

Separation of powers (executive, legislative, judicial).1

No separation of powers; leader controls all branches.2

6. What is the difference between a constitutional monarchy and an absolute monarchy?

• Constitutional monarchy (e.g., Spain): The king/queen is a symbolic head of state, while real political power lies with elected officials.

• Absolute monarchy (e.g., Saudi Arabia): The monarch holds complete political power without democratic limits.

7. What were the origins of the European Union and which treaties led to its creation?

• 1951: European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was created.

• 1957: Treaties of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC) and EURATOM.

• 1993: The Maastricht Treaty transformed the EEC into the European Union (EU).

8. What were the main goals of the Maastricht Treaty in transforming the EEC into the EU?

• Created a single market with free movement of goods, services, people, and capital.

• Introduced the euro (€) as a common currency.

• Established European citizenship.

• Strengthened political cooperation (foreign policy, education, environment).

9. Which institutions of the European Union hold legislative power?

• European Parliament (elected by citizens).

• Council of the European Union (ministers from member states).
  (Together, they approve EU laws and the budget.)

10. What is the role of the European Central Bank within the EU?

• Manages the euro and monetary policy.

• Controls inflation and ensures financial stability in the eurozone.

• Works with national banks to regulate the EU’s economy.