Q & A

Q: How might having a valuable resource affect the region?

A: In Southwest and Central Asia, crude oil is a very valuable resource. It has helped many countries in this region develop a stronger economy but not all have used it to improve citizen’s lives. For example, oil has helped many countries improve health. But it has also helped many countries create a modern city. One example of improvement in health is the life expectancy and infant mortality rate. The life expectancy has increased by 15 years and the infant mortality rate has dropped by two thirds. One example of a modern city that was created with the help from the oil income, is Dubai— one of the seven states of the United Arab Emirates Dubai that was once a small town with nomads roaming around in the desert nearby, has changed into a completely different city including the world’s tallest skyscraper. One example a negative impact is the wealth distribution isn’t even for all citizens. Saudi Arabia’s oil has made the royal family rich, and in 2002 King Fahd along with 3,000 guests visited Spain for a vacation. They spent $185 million just getting the palace ready. Also, while the king was there, flowers were sent daily, each day for $1,500. Most countries don’t split the wealth evenly so it doesn’t always help the country. Another example is Iran. A dictator, Saddam Hussein, who reigned from 1973 to 2003, had complete control over the country’s oil money. He spent most of it expanding Iran’s army, buying weapons, and fighting wars. Not much of the oil income went to make life better for normal citizens. Having crude oil can be a very useful resource, and can improve health and help develop countries but also can be used towards something that is more personal rather than for the whole country.

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Q: How do people adapt to living in a desert region?

People living in a desert region wear loose clothing for protection. People living in a desert region wear loose clothing for protection. One example are Tauregs, nomads that wander from place to place to avoid desertification. Tauregs wear long, loose clothing to protect themselves from the sun. People live near oases because there is water and small plants that are is only found in some parts of the desert. An oases is an island of fresh natural water surrounded by desert. Plants that are found near oases include Acacia, baobab, and most importantly, date palms. The people that live near oases use every part of the date palms. The dates are eaten fresh or dried, it’s trunk and leaves are used as building materials, the fiber of the bark is made into rope and the date pits are used for feeding the animals. This shows that people living in the desert region find the most efficient lifestyle whether it's living near water, wearing appropriate clothing, etc.

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Q: What forces work for and against supranational cooperation among nations?

A: Centripetal forces work for supranational cooperation and centrifugal forces work against it. Centripetal forces unite the EU. Some uniting forces are the EU flag, the EU anthem, Europe Day, common market, and the trading bloc. The flag, anthem and holiday resemble unity- like one nation. The common market and trading bloc makes transporting goods and buying certain objects or goods easier. Centrifugal forces divide the EU. Some dividing forces are the euro currency, traditions and culture, communication, wealth and greed, national pride, and the desire to be independent. For some countries in the EU that haven't converted into using the euro are finding no use in the trading bloc and are also struggling to trade efficiently with other countries that do use the euro. Because of the diverse culture, certain countries with historical traditions have difficulty with agreeing with all EU laws. Wealth is also another dividing line for Western and Eastern Europe. Wealthier countries in Western Europe worry about losing jobs to EU citizens that work for less. To conclude, there are two types of forces, centripetal and centrifugal that unite and divide supranational cooperation.

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Q: What is the difference between limited and unlimited government?

A: The difference between limited and unlimited government is the amount of power. Limited governments have limited power which means they can't do whatever they want. Limited governments have limited power because when power is all in the government’s hands, it can result dictatorship. In some governments power is shared among branches (separation of power) or among citizens (democracy). One example of a limited government is the United States. The U.S has a democratic government where citizens vote for their leaders (representative democracy). Unlimited governments have unlimited powers- they can do whatever they want. Unlimited governments have unlimited power which means they have no limitations. It often results dictatorship. In history, unlimited governments or governments who had complete control have taken away citizen rights and often have abused the power they had in other ways. One example of an unlimited government is North Korea. Kim Jong-un is current the leader and dictator of North Korea who has unlimited power. Kim Jong-un took many rights citizens should have and created passed laws like no sarcasm, etc, which is an example of the misuse of power. In conclusion, the main difference between limited and unlimited governments is that limited governments have limited power and unlimited governments have unlimited power.

Q: What makes a good citizen?

A: To be a good citizen is to follow political laws of the town, city, state or nation and to respect the social laws. Political laws and social laws are both made to make people feel safe. It is a good citizen’s responsibility to follow political laws and see that others do too. A good citizen also respects social laws. An example of a responsibility is to participate in petitions to express opinions and show the willingness to share individual ideas. The freedom of speech and press allow citizens to express their own ideas without feeling unsafe or insecure. It is also a good citizen’s responsibility to socialize with others. Making new friends or reaching out to more communities also show good citizenship. Along with that, it is also a responsibility to stay informed of surroundings and be aware of others around you. In some cases, responsibilities overrule rights. For example, if you were to lead a march in the city of Boston, you wouldn't be allowed to break any private or public property or disturb others which is a responsibility even though the constitution allows public lgatherings. Sometimes rights and responsibility overlap. One example of a right and a responsibility as one is voting. Voting is a right- something you are granted as a citizen. But voting also is a responsibility because a good citizen should participate in choosing the right leader for their country who they think expresses similar ideas and thoughts who also you think can help improve the country even though it isn't mandatory. Another example of responsibility overruling rights is the freedom of speech. The freedom of speech is a right but also a responsibility because citizens must use it only if it doesn't harm or disturb others. A good citizen also should pay taxes. Taxes are used to build and expand public building, roads pay for public education and many other things to help improve improve our lives. In conclusion a good citizen respects and follows town/city, county, state, and nation laws and knows their rights and responsibilities.