Basic Social Studies

BASIC INFORMATION – SOCIAL STUDIES

Geography

Physical and cultural features of the earth

5 Themes of Geography Location

Position of a place (absolute and relative) Place

Characteristics that make place unique Human Environment Interaction

How people affect the environment Movement

Why move from place to place Regions

Common characteristics (land, resources, population)

Time Terms

Decade Century Millennium

Types of Inhabited Areas Rural

CountryOpen Land

UrbanCities

UrbanizationMovement of people

from country to citiesWhy do people move

to cities?

Culture

Learned system of shared beliefs and way of doing things

Guides persons daily behavior Examples

Religious practices and beliefsWhat are some other examples of cultures?

Population

Number of inhabitants living in an area

Distribution of Water

What percentage of the earth’s surface is covered by water?Answer: 70%

Earth’s waterOcean water – 97%Freshwater – 3%

Energy Resources

Fossil FuelsName the 3 fossil fuels

○ Natural gas, coal, petroleum (oil)

Where do fossil fuels come from?Organic material subjected to lots of

pressure Renewable vs. Nonrenewable

Government Systems Unlimited

GovernmentTotal control over

citizens

Limited GovernmentHeld accountable to

citizensConstitutions /

Elections

Draw Chart in Notes

Republic/Democracy

Communism Monarchy Dictatorship Anarchy

Republic/Democracy

Communism

• Ruled by elected representatives• No one too powerful• People have power

Example: United States 3 branches of government• Executive (President)• Judicial (Supreme Court)• Legislative (Congress)

**Balance of Power

Why are we lucky to live in this type of government?

• Government owns everything• Everyone is equal• Each person works according to his or

her abilities• Job chosen by test

Monarchy Dictatorship Anarchy

• King or Queen• Power passes

through bloodline or family

• Rule could last from few years to centuries

• Absolute power• Brutal• Uses force to get

wants• Uses fear to make

people obey• No restrictions• Citizens lose rights

to leader who holds the power (usually)

• No organized government

• Government too involved in citizens’ lives (supporters think)

• Too much control (supporters think)

Religion

Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism

Economic Systems

Free EnterpriseCompanies have freedom to make anything

(legally)Entrepreneurs

Command EconomyGovernment owns and runs everythingCommunism

Traditional EconomyBased on customs and traditionsBased on rituals and beliefs