AP Human Geography : Political Ecology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Political Organization Of Space

Every country's economy has different "sectors". The "Quinary Sector" deals specifically with high-level decision-making by executives in the government, industry, business, education, and non-profit organizations.

Which of the following belongs to the "Quinary Sector" of the economy?

Possible Answers:

working as a commercial plumber

researching genetic-engineering for a government-funded firm

managing a Subway restaurant

serving on the U.S.A. President's Cabinet

teaching new methods of irrigation for an NGO

Correct answer:

serving on the U.S.A. President's Cabinet

Explanation:

Serving on the U.S. President's Cabinet is a high-ranking position within one of the most powerful governments in the world. This job is a high-level decision-making position in the government.

Working as a commercial plumber is not a high-ranking position. Even if said plumber owns their own small business, that person is not making high-level decisions that influence the economy.

Researching genetic-engineering for a government-funded firm is also not high-ranking. Researchers are low-level employees who gain data for the people that make decisions, but they themselves do not usually make the decisions for a company or firm.

Teaching new methods of irrigation for an NGO does require making decisions, but the decisions being made are not the high-level decisions that influence the economy of the NGO or a country.

Managing a Subway restaurant can require high-level decision making, but it is not the decision-making the ultimately influences the economic growth of the Subway company. The CEO of Subway is the only position within the company that would be considered to carry the high-level decision-making duties.

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