Question

Which of the following political entities is most likely to include the largest territory and the greatest ethnic diversity? A. city-state B. colony C. empire D. nation-state

Short answer

The correct answer is C. empire.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concept of Each Political Entity

A city-state is a small independent country, typically consisting of a single city and its immediate hinterland. A colony is a territory under the immediate political control of a state, distinct from the home territory. An empire is a group of states or territories controlled by one sovereign power. A nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizens or subjects are relatively homogeneous in factors such as language or common descent.

Analyze Territory Size

Empires historically control large swathes of territory encompassing various regions and populations. City-states and colonies, on the other hand, have limited land areas. Nation-states can be large but are often more uniform and sometimes smaller in territorial scope compared to empires.

Analyze Ethnic Diversity

Empires typically include a variety of ethnic groups because they span across multiple regions and cultures. In contrast, city-states and nation-states are more likely to have a more homogeneous population. Colonies may have diverse populations but are dependent and not sovereign.

Compare and Choose the Best Option

Considering both territory size and ethnic diversity, empires generally cover the largest areas and include the greatest mix of different ethnic groups. City-states are too small, colonies are not sovereign, and nation-states prioritize homogeneity.

Key concepts

City-State

A city-state is a unique political structure that operates independently and typically covers a single city and its nearby territories. The concept dates back to ancient civilizations like Athens and Sparta in ancient Greece. Such entities were self-governing and possessed their own political systems, military, and economy.

Here are some key features of city-states:

• Small in size
• Centered around a single, urbanized region
• Independent with their own government
• Greater autonomy and self-determination

Because of their limited territorial span, city-states tend to have a more homogeneous population and less ethnic diversity compared to empires or larger political entities.

Colony

A colony is a territory that is controlled and governed by a foreign state. Unlike other political entities, colonies are not sovereign and depend largely on their controlling state for governance. Colonies were prevalent during periods of significant exploration and expansion, such as during the European Age of Exploration.

Key features of colonies include:

• Foreign political control
• Often established for economic benefits
• Can have diverse populations, but lack sovereignty
• May serve strategic or resource-extraction purposes

While colonies can have ethnic diversity due to migrations and settlements, they lack the autonomy and self-rule of other political entities like city-states or nation-states.

Empire

An empire stands out as a political entity for its expansive territory and ethnic diversity. It is formed when a single sovereign power, often an emperor or king, controls a vast region composed of multiple states and territories. Empires have made significant marks throughout history, with examples like the Roman Empire, the British Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

Distinctive features of empires include:

• Large territories spanning various regions
• Governance by a central sovereign power
• High ethnic and cultural diversity
• Often achieved expansion through conquest

Empires tend to be complex due to their size and the different cultures within their reach. Their ability to control vast areas under a unified administration often results in blending of various ethnic groups, creating a rich tapestry of diversity.

Nation-State

A nation-state refers to a political entity where the boundaries of a state coincide largely with the area inhabited by a single nation. The main idea here is unity in aspects like language, culture, and common descent. Modern examples include Japan and Iceland, where a strong national identity is connected to the geographical territory.

Main characteristics of nation-states are:

• Relative homogeneity of population
• Sovereign government
• Focus on national identity and self-determination
• Clear territorial boundaries

Although nation-states can vary in size, they often prioritize homogeneity, leading to less ethnic diversity compared to empires. The sense of shared identity among its citizens can foster unity and cohesion within the nation.