Free Response Questions (College Board AP® Human Geography): Exam Questions

28 mins4 questions
1a
1 mark
Map of Africa showing colonial territories prior to World War I, colour-coded by colonial power: Portuguese, British, French, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian.
African borders following the Berlin Conference

The map above displays the boundaries of the African states following the Berlin Conference of 1884. This was the result of European colonization of Africa, dividing the continent into sectors controlled by different European powers.

Describe the type of boundary seen in Africa as a result of the Berlin Conference

1b
1 mark

Using the map, describe which countries were under French control following the Berlin Conference of 1884.

1c
1 mark

Explain how an existing boundary becomes a relic boundary.

1d
1 mark

Explain the process of decolonization.

1e
1 mark

Explain ONE reason why the colonization by European powers in Africa caused African countries to lose their sovereignty.

1f
1 mark

Explain ONE way that neocolonialism has affected countries in Africa

1g
1 mark

 Explain ONE way that supranationalism can affect sovereignty.

2a
1 mark
Short-term and long-term global risk rankings, including climate events, misinformation, armed conflict, and AI outcomes, by the World Economic Forum.
Table showing global risks

The concept of a nation state is at risk of many types of threats as illustrated in the graph above.

Define the concept of a nation state.

2b
1 mark

Explain one reason why sovereignty is important to a nation state.

2c
1 mark

Describe the role of technology in threatening sovereignty of a nation state.

2d
1 mark

Using the graph, identify ONE short term risk to a nation state and explain its potential impact.

2e
1 mark

Using the graph, identify ONE long term risk to a nation state and explain why it is a significant concern.

2f
1 mark

Explain ONE way geopolitical risks can affect national security and economic stability.

2g
1 mark

Explain the degree to which you agree with the long term global risks. (Response must indicate the degree [low, moderate, high] and provide an explanation.)

3a
1 mark


Political power is often expressed through territorial claims and resource ownership. Conflict can occur when there are boundary disputes or where political power is exerted.

Define the concept of territoriality

3b
1 mark

Describe ONE way in which political power is exerted through the control of chokepoints.

3c
1 mark

Describe the way shatterbelts are created.

3d
1 mark

Explain how UNCLOS dictates the territory of states beyond land.

3e
1 mark

Explain how China is exerting political power within the South China Sea.

3f
1 mark

Explain ONE way in which irredentism is linked to territoriality.

3g
1 mark

Compare ONE difference between a definitional dispute and an allocational dispute

4a
1 mark

Sovereign states have control over their own nation. Any decisions or governing bodies occur within the nations’ borders and are not influenced by external organizations or other nations.

Define the concept of devolution.

4b
1 mark

Describe why devolution exists when states have autonomous regions.

4c
1 mark

Describe ONE force that can lead to devolution in a country.

4d
1 mark

Explain how technology has made it easier for devolution to occur.

4e
1 mark

Centrifugal forces can reduce sovereignty. Explain ONE result of centrifugal forces.

4f
1 mark

Explain how Balkanization occurred in Yugoslavia during the 1990s.

4g
1 mark

Explain the degree to which sovereignty is limited by supranationalism.