ABSTRACT
The kernel of political geography is the political area. Every political unit describes an areal pattern of nuclear core, constituent or administrative regions, problem areas, vulnerable zones, capitals, strategic spots, and boundaries—all affecting its success even if not vital to its persistence. The political areas which endure longest are noted for making frequent alterations by law in order to keep their institutions abreast of changing times. In the long view it must be conceded that the political significance of any area bears a well-defined relation to its land-forms, and natural resources. Political attachments are correspondingly tenacious, and some part of the heritage of environmental conditions long vanished remains in the political order of every period. The agent whereby the political structure of any area is constructed is the law. Laws are frequently enacted which are so at variance with nature in the political area affected that they have to be rescinded or they remain among the statutes as dead letters.
