Richard Hartshorne (1950s)
• Forces at work that affect success of state
• Centripetal forces– Unify a state
• Centrifugal forces– Break a state apart
Centripetal Forces
• Forces that strengthen state
• National institutions
• Common history
• Culture
• Strong central government
• Effective communications
• Homogeneity
Centrifugal Forces
• Forces that weaken state
• Regionalism
• Ethnic strife
• Territorial disputes
• Heterogeneity
Critical Thinking
• Identify and explain three centripetal and three centrifugal forces within the United States
Devolution
• Movement of power from central to regional governments
• Bringing the power closer to the people– Often based on ethno-cultural groups
• Can contribute to centrifugal forces