1. Which of the following describes typical characteristics of federal states?

Question

(A) A centralized government and strong centripetal forces
(B) A fragmented land area and a single ethnic group
(C) A small land area and high population density
(D) A compact shape and a primate city
(E) A large land area and multiple ethnic groups
2. LARGE ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS POPULATIONS IN IRAQ, 2015 ESTIMATES
Group Population
Shia Arabs 15 million
Sunni Arabs 9 million
Sunni Kurds 4 million
Turkmen 3 million
Shia Kurds 500 thousand
Armenian 500 thousand
Yazidi 500 thousand
Source: European Parliamentary Research Service
Based on the data in the table, which of the following is a possible impact of ethnic and religious diversity in Iraq?
(A) Ethnicity and religion act as centripetal forces in the country by creating a common Iraqi identity among the
population.
(B) Ethnicity and religion facilitate democratization in the country by motivating participation in elections.
(C) Ethnicity and religion promote economic development in the country by generating national pride in the
country’s accomplishments.
(D) Ethnicity and religion lead to devolutionary pressures in the country by politically dividing regions.
(E) Ethnicity and religion increase cultural cohesion in the country by promoting shared political ideology.
3. Which of the following correctly compares the impact of centripetal forces at the local scale with the impact of
centripetal forces at the national scale?
(A) Centripetal forces may cause uneven development at the local scale but not at the national scale.
(B) Centripetal forces at both the local scale and the national scale may lead to increased cultural cohesion.
(C) Centripetal forces may lead to stateless nations at the national scale but not the local scale.
(D) Centripetal forces may result in nationalism at the local scale but not at the national scale.
(E) Centripetal forces at both the local scale and the national scale may lead to failed states.

Answer 1

1. The typical characteristics of federal states are best described by option: (E) A large land area and multiple ethnic groups.
   Federal states often comprise diverse populations spread over large geographical areas, promoting a system where different cultural or ethnic groups maintain some degree of autonomy.

2. Based on the data in the table regarding ethnic and religious diversity in Iraq, a possible impact is: (D) Ethnicity and religion lead to devolutionary pressures in the country by politically dividing regions.
   Given the varying populations of different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq, these divisions can contribute to political fragmentation and calls for autonomy or independence from the central government.

3. The correct comparison of centripetal forces at the local scale versus the national scale is: (B) Centripetal forces at both the local scale and the national scale may lead to increased cultural cohesion.
   Centripetal forces, which promote unity and stability, can foster a sense of belonging and shared identity at both the local and national levels, enhancing social harmony.