AP Comparative Government and Politics Flashcards: Causes and Effects of Demographic Change
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a potential negative social consequence of higher population density caused by migration?
Increased crime stemming from higher population density is a potential social consequence of shifting migration patterns.
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What is a potential negative social consequence of higher population density caused by migration?
Increased crime stemming from higher population density is a potential social consequence of shifting migration patterns.
How can shifting migration patterns impact infrastructure and housing?
Migration leads to increased use of existing infrastructure and housing, which in turn creates demands for new and expanded facilities and services.
Besides managing migration, what is another way states respond to demographic pressures?
States respond to demographic pressures with policies that influence citizen behavior, such as those encouraging or discouraging the birth of children.
How does migration affect the geographic distribution of highly skilled individuals?
Migration can lead to the concentration of highly skilled individuals in certain areas, while causing their absence in the areas they departed from.
What is a significant challenge that demographic changes pose to governments?
Demographic changes and population movements pose significant challenges by taxing governmental resources, such as infrastructure and social services.
What is a potential political consequence of a positive net migration of immigrants, as seen in the UK?
A positive net migration of immigrants into a country can result in significant social and political tensions.
Why might highly skilled individuals leave their home countries, such as Iran and Nigeria?
Highly skilled or well-educated individuals may leave their home countries to escape government policies or practices that are perceived as limiting, corrupt, or repressive.
How did NAFTA and maquiladora zones affect migration and economic development in Mexico?
These policies prompted migration from rural to urban areas and from south to north, contributing to greater economic development and regional disparities between northern and southern Mexico.
What two demographic factors are exacerbating the rising costs of health care in the United Kingdom?
The rising costs of health care in the UK are exacerbated by an aging population and a declining working-age population, which increases the tax burden.
What are the primary motivators for internal and external population movements?
Growing populations, changing land use and values, and economic opportunities motivate population movements, such as shifts from rural to urban areas.
What economic policies led to major rural-to-urban migration in China?
China’s shift from agriculture to industry, the creation of special economic zones, and encouragement of foreign direct investment have led to massive rural-to-urban migration.
In China, what opportunities can rising incomes from internal migration lead to?
A growing population with rising incomes, resulting from internal migration, can pursue work and educational opportunities abroad.
Political Consequences of Demographic Change
These are outcomes affecting a state's governance and politics, such as increased demands on resources, social tensions, and the rise of new political parties due to population shifts.
What new type of political party can emerge as a consequence of shifting migration patterns?
The growth of new political parties that stand against immigration and supranational organizations can be a political consequence of migration.