Section 1
Contiguous � joined together inside a common boundary
Megalopolis � pattern of heavy urban settlement over a large area
Coral reef � structure near or at the water�s surface formed by skeletons of small sea animals
Questions
2. How does the United States rank in size among all of the countries in the world?
The United States is the fourth largest country in the world.
4. What is the Continental Divide?
The Continental Divide is a ridge that separates rivers that flow to the west from those that flow east.
**STUDY THE DITTO �GUIDED READING 4-1�**
Section 2
Free enterprise system � economic system in which people start and run businesses with limited government intervention
Service industry � business that provides services to people instead of producing goods
America�s Economic Regions
Northeast
� manufacturing, trade, and fishing are the main types of industry
� important centers of banking, insurance, and finance
� houses New York and Washington D.C.
South
� agriculture is prevalent
� oil is found in Texas and Louisiana
� Florida is a major tourist center
Midwest
� grows most of America�s food
� many cities are major ports
� steel, heavy machinery, and auto parts are major industries
Interior West
� lacks water
� rich deposits of minerals and energy sources
� service industry is important
Pacific
� produces many foods including pineapple and sugarcane
� Los Angeles is found here � world capital of the movie industry
� many tourists visit cities in this region
Questions
2. Why is the Midwest called America�s breadbasket?
The Midwest is called America�s breadbasket because so much food is grown there in the agriculture industry.
3. The discovery of which resources first brought settlers to the Interior West?
The discovery of gold and silver first brought settlers to the Interior West.
4. What was the goal of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
NAFTA�s goal was to remove all trade barriers between Canada, the United States, and Mexico
Section 3
Colonies � settlement tied to a parent country
Democracy � form of government in which citizens choose the nation�s leaders by voting for them
Federal republic � government divided between national and state powers
Seceded � to withdraw from a national government
Immigrants � person who moves to a new country to make a permanent home
Urban �area in the city
Rural � area in the country
Suburbs �smaller community that surrounds a city
Questions
2. What route do experts think the first American took to reach North America?
Experts think the first Americans took a land bridge from Asia to reach Alaska.
3. What document explains the form of government used in the United States?
The Constitution of the United States explains the form of government in the United States.
**STUDY THE DITTO: �GUIDED READING 4-3�**