City-state
A sovereign microstate that usually consists of a single city and its dependent territories
Real World Example
In ancient Mesopotamia, city-states were independent regions centered around a single city, such as Uruk or Babylon, each with its own government, laws, and military. This concept was important because it allowed for localized control and decision-making, which was necessary due to the diverse cultures and geography of the area. City-states addressed the problem of managing resources and trade, as each could operate and negotiate independently to support its population. Today, the idea of city-states is similar to modern cities that have significant autonomy, like Singapore, which operates as a sovereign city-state. This concept matters because it shows how a single city can impact global economics and culture, affecting our lives through international trade, travel, and communication.
Practice Version
