THE GEOGRAPHY FOR LIFE STANDARDS AND AMERICAN POLITICAL-GEOGRAPHY

Political geography is concerned with a myriad of spatial relationship s that impact government and public policy. Thus it is an important pe rspective that needs to be integrated into the teaching of the Geograp hy for Life: National Geography Standards 1994. The intersection of ge ography and politics in American public policy development is explored through several of the National Geography Standards. Contemporary iss ues involving electoral district delineation, the impact of migration, cultural values and culture group distribution, economic interdepende nce, resource competition, and environmental modification highlight ge ographical perspectives that inform public policy deliberations. Sugge stions for student activities and discussions follow consideration of each issue illustrating one of the standards.