AP Human Geography 2019 Free Response Question 3 Scoring Guide

AP Human Geography 2019 Free Response Question 3 Scoring Guide

AP Human Geography 2019 Free Response Question 3 focuses on the concept of devolution, exploring its definition and the various forces contributing to devolutionary pressures within countries. It examines cultural diversity, regional economic differences, and physical geography as key factors influencing political dynamics in regions like Spain and Nigeria. This scoring guide provides detailed scoring criteria and sample student responses, making it a valuable resource for AP Human Geography students preparing for exams. It helps students understand how to articulate their knowledge effectively in written responses.

Key Points

  • Defines devolution and its implications for state governance
  • Explores cultural diversity's role in creating devolutionary pressures
  • Analyzes regional economic disparities and their impact on political stability
  • Examines physical geography's influence on territorial autonomy
  • Provides scoring guidelines and sample responses for AP Human Geography exam preparation
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/ 10
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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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)
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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 Free Response Question 3 Scoring Guide
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 within a state. This process can lead to increased autonomy for regions and may result in the breakup of a state if certain regions seek full independence. Factors such as cultural diversity, economic disparities, and geographical barriers often drive devolutionary movements, making it a significant topic in human geography.
How does cultural diversity contribute to devolutionary pressures?
Cultural diversity can create tensions within a country, especially when different ethnic or linguistic groups feel marginalized by the central government. For instance, in countries like Nigeria, various ethnic groups may demand greater autonomy to preserve their cultural identities and languages. This desire for self-determination can lead to political fragmentation and calls for independence, highlighting the relationship between cultural identity and governance.
What are the political impacts of devolution in Spain?
In Spain, devolution has led to significant political movements, particularly in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country. These areas have sought greater autonomy or independence, driven by cultural and linguistic differences. The political impact includes increased tensions between regional governments and the central government, as well as calls for referendums on independence, which can destabilize national unity.
What role does physical geography play in devolution?
Physical geography can significantly influence devolutionary pressures by creating natural barriers that isolate regions from central governance. For example, mountainous areas may experience difficulties in communication and transportation, leading to a sense of separation from the core of the state. This geographical isolation can foster regional identities and increase demands for autonomy, as seen in various countries around the world.
What are the scoring guidelines for AP Human Geography Free Response Question 3?
The scoring guidelines for AP Human Geography Free Response Question 3 allocate a total of 6 points, divided into three parts: 1 point for defining devolution, 3 points for describing how specific forces contribute to devolutionary pressures, and 2 points for identifying and explaining a political impact related to cultural differences in a selected country. This structured approach helps students focus their responses and demonstrates their understanding of the topic.
What examples illustrate devolutionary pressures in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, devolutionary pressures are often linked to ethnic and religious differences, leading to movements for greater autonomy among various groups. The Biafran conflict is a historical example where the Igbo people sought independence due to perceived marginalization. Additionally, groups like Boko Haram have emerged in response to socio-political grievances, further complicating the national landscape and highlighting the challenges of governance in a diverse society.