Question

Fowler says that a State must have “community of [ethnicity], of language, of religion, of sentiment or historical association, and lastly of land” and that it includes “artificial ties” such as “law, custom, executive government.” What aspects of the United States suggest Fowler should have written a broader definition of a State? A. separation of Alaska and Hawaii from the rest of the country B. geographic diversity of the land C. division into state and federal governments D. ethnic, language, and religious diversity

Short answer

D. ethnic, language, and religious diversity

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Fowler's Definition

Fowler defines a State as having a community of ethnicity, language, religion, sentiment or historical association, and land. He also notes 'artificial ties' such as law, custom, and executive government.

- Analyze Each Option

Consider each option in relation to Fowler's definition to determine if it falls outside his criteria and suggests the need for a broader definition.

- Option A

Option A mentions the separation of Alaska and Hawaii from the rest of the country. Fowler's definition includes land, but it does not specify that all land must be contiguous.

- Option B

Option B talks about the geographic diversity of the land. Fowler mentions land as a criterion, but doesn't specify that the land must be geographically homogenous or diverse.

- Option C

Option C discusses the division into state and federal governments. This falls under Fowler's 'artificial ties' like law and executive government.

- Option D

Option D highlights the ethnic, language, and religious diversity. Fowler requires a community of ethnicity, language, and religion. High diversity in these aspects suggests the need for a broader definition.

- Determine the Best Option

Option D presents diversity in crucial aspects (ethnicity, language, and religion) beyond Fowler's narrow definition. This suggests Fowler should have written a broader definition.

Key concepts

Ethnic Diversity

Ethnic diversity refers to the presence of multiple ethnic groups within a specific area or population. In the context of the United States, this means people from various ethnic backgrounds such as Asian, African, European, Latino, and Native American.
The high level of ethnic diversity in the U.S. showcases a rich cultural mosaic, presenting a multitude of traditions, cuisines, and festivals.
This diversity can enhance a country's social fabric but may also require more inclusive policies to ensure equal opportunities for all ethnic groups.

Language Diversity

Language diversity involves the coexistence of multiple languages within a particular region or country. In the United States, many languages are spoken, with English being the most dominant.
Other languages like Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese are also widely spoken, reflecting the country's immigrant heritage.
This diversity in language can enrich communication and cultural exchange but also necessitate educational systems and public services to accommodate multilingualism.

Religious Diversity

Religious diversity means the presence of multiple religious beliefs within a specific area. The U.S. is known for its religious pluralism, hosting a wide range of faiths such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
This aspect of diversity allows for a variety of cultural celebrations and practices, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive society.
However, managing religious diversity also requires protection against discrimination and respectful dialogue among different faith communities.

Geographic Diversity

Geographic diversity refers to the different landscapes and climatic regions within a country. The United States is an excellent example, with vast deserts, fertile plains, mountains, and coastal areas.
States like Alaska and Hawaii add to this diversity, each having unique climates and ecosystems.
Such geographic diversity affects lifestyle, economic activities, and even the cultural significance of different regions.
It also implies that policies and infrastructure development need to be tailored to fit diverse geographic conditions.

State and Federal Governments

The United States operates under a federal system, dividing powers between state and federal governments. Each state has its own government, which can enact laws and policies tailored to local needs, while the federal government manages issues that affect the entire nation.
This division allows for more responsive and specialized governance but can sometimes lead to legal and policy conflicts between different levels of government.
Understanding this structure is crucial for grasping how the U.S. manages its vast diversity while maintaining unity.