Question

piedmont 28,870
regions in southern italy
region income per person (in euros)
lazio 30,967
marche 25,971
abruzzo 24,160
umbria 23,735
basilicata 19,473
sardinia 19,306
molise 18,891
campania 17,187
apulia 17,166
sicily 17,068
calabria 16,467
source: istituto nazionale di statistica
which of the following possible political effects is implied by the data in the table?
a the countrys high level of economic development acts as a centripetal force holding the state together.
b the high level of economic difference between the regions in italy acts as a devolutionary force.
c the low level of economic difference between regions in italy acts as a centripetal force holding the state together.
d the low level of economic difference between regions in italy promotes devolutionary movements in some parts of italy.
e the countrys low level of economic development promotes centrifugal forces tearing the state apart.

Explanation:

• Option A: The table shows significant income differences among regions (e.g., Lazio has 30,967 euros per person, while Calabria has 16,467 euros). This indicates economic disparity rather than a high - level of economic development acting as a centripetal force.
• Option B: Centripetal forces unite a country, while centrifugal (or devolutionary) forces divide it. The large income differences (e.g., Lazio vs. Calabria) among Italian regions can lead to regional tensions. Regions with lower incomes may demand more autonomy (devolution) to address their economic issues.
• Option C: The income per person values range from 16,467 (Calabria) to 30,967 (Lazio), showing a high level of economic difference, not a low level.
• Option D: Low economic difference would not promote devolutionary movements. Devolutionary movements are more likely when there are significant economic disparities (as shown in the table).
• Option E: The table does not provide data on the "low - level of economic development" of the whole country. It shows regional income differences.

Answer:

B. The high level of economic difference between the regions in Italy acts as a devolutionary force.