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A capital city's status is always legally designated by its law or constitution, without exception.
Answer: False
While often legally designated, many long-standing capitals like Bern, London, and Paris are recognized by convention due to the concentration of political institutions, not explicit legal designation.
English-language media use the name of a capital city metonymically to refer to the government situated there.
Answer: True
English-language media frequently employ metonymy, using the capital city's name (e.g., 'London' or 'Washington') to refer to the government or political entity it houses.
The etymological root of 'capital' is the Latin word 'caput', which means 'center of power'.
Answer: False
The word 'capital' derives from the Latin 'caput', meaning 'head', not 'center of power', highlighting its role as the primary center.
'Administrative centres' is a term used exclusively in federations for subnational capitals.
Answer: False
The term 'administrative centres' is used for subnational capitals in some unitary states, not exclusively in federations.
The capital city of an administrative division is always its largest and most populous city.
Answer: False
While often the largest, a capital city is not always the most populous metropolitan area within its administrative division; numerous examples exist where this is not the case.
Bern, London, and Paris are recognized as capitals by convention due to the concentration of political institutions, not by legal designation.
Answer: True
Many long-standing capitals, including Bern, London, and Paris, are recognized by convention due to the concentration of central political institutions, rather than through explicit legal designation in their respective constitutions.
Tallinn and Port of Spain are examples of national capitals whose names are derived from other sovereign states.
Answer: True
Tallinn (Estonia) and Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) are examples of national capitals whose names etymologically refer to other sovereign states, reflecting historical influences.
What is the fundamental definition of a capital city, according to the source?
Answer: The municipality that holds primary status within a division, typically serving as its seat of government.
The source defines a capital city as the municipality holding primary status within an administrative division, typically serving as its seat of government.
What is the typical method for formally recognizing a city as a capital?
Answer: Designation by its law or constitution.
A city's status as a capital is typically formally recognized through designation by its law or constitution, establishing its role as the seat of government.
From which Latin word does 'capital' derive, and what does it mean?
Answer: 'Caput', meaning 'head'
The word 'capital' originates from the Latin word 'caput', which means 'head', signifying its primary status.
Is a capital city always the largest city in its respective administrative division?
Answer: No, there are many examples where the capital is not the most populous metropolitan area.
A capital city is not always the largest or most populous in its administrative division; numerous examples demonstrate this divergence.
What term does English-language media frequently use when referring to a government by its capital city's name?
Answer: Metonymy
English-language media frequently employ metonymy, using the capital city's name to refer to the government or political entity it houses.
In some unitary states, what term is used for subnational capitals?
Answer: Administrative centres
In some unitary states, subnational capitals are referred to as 'administrative centres,' indicating their role as local government hubs.
Which of the following long-standing capitals is recognized as such primarily by convention, without a specific legal designation?
Answer: London
London, like Bern and Paris, is a long-standing capital recognized by convention due to its concentration of political institutions, rather than by explicit legal designation.
The phrase 'Roma Caput Mundi' was coined in the 1st century AD to celebrate Rome's role as the capital of the Catholic Church.
Answer: False
The phrase 'Roma Caput Mundi' was used by Ovid in the 1st century BC, signifying Rome's power as the capital of the Roman Republic and Empire, predating its primary role as the center of the Catholic Church.
Medieval Western European governments were characterized by fixed capital cities, unlike the 'political nomadism' of the ancient Near East.
Answer: False
Medieval Western European governments often practiced 'itinerant government,' where rulers and their courts moved between locations, similar in principle to the 'political nomadism' of the ancient Near East, rather than being fixed in a single capital.
Rome/Vatican City and Jerusalem are examples of capital cities that have also served as significant religious centers for multiple faiths.
Answer: True
Rome/Vatican City and Jerusalem are notable examples of capital cities that have historically functioned as significant religious centers for multiple faiths, alongside their political roles.
The extinction of a capital city, such as Babylon or Cahokia, is often linked to the decline of its associated dynasty or culture.
Answer: True
The decline or extinction of capital cities like Babylon and Cahokia is frequently tied to the fate of their associated dynasty or culture, demonstrating the intrinsic link between a city's political status and its governing power.
'Political nomadism' in the ancient Near East was a strategy for rulers to avoid popular uprisings by constantly moving their courts.
Answer: False
'Political nomadism' in the ancient Near East was primarily a strategy for rulers to strengthen ties with their subjects by moving their courts, not to avoid popular uprisings.
In ancient China, the fall of a capital city often led to the collapse of the entire dynasty due to its highly centralized bureaucracy.
Answer: True
Due to highly centralized bureaucracies, the capture of a capital city in ancient China frequently resulted in the collapse of the entire dynasty, as exemplified during the Three Kingdoms period.
According to the source, what did the Latin phrase 'Roma Caput Mundi' primarily signify in the 1st century BC?
Answer: Rome's enduring power as the capital of the Roman Republic and Empire.
In the 1st century BC, 'Roma Caput Mundi' primarily signified Rome's enduring power as the capital of the Roman Republic and Empire, according to the poet Ovid.
What is identified as a cause for the decline or extinction of capital cities such as Babylon and Cahokia?
Answer: The decline of their associated dynasty or culture.
The decline or extinction of capital cities like Babylon and Cahokia is attributed to the decline of their associated dynasty or culture, highlighting the link between political power and urban fate.
What was a common practice regarding government location in medieval Western Europe?
Answer: Rulers and their courts would move between different locations.
In medieval Western Europe, 'itinerant government' was common, where rulers and their courts frequently moved between various locations rather than being fixed in a single capital.
What was the purpose of 'political nomadism' in the ancient Near East?
Answer: To increase ties between rulers and their subjects.
The practice of 'political nomadism' in the ancient Near East served to strengthen the bonds between rulers and their subjects through direct interaction, rather than maintaining a fixed capital.
Which of the following capital cities is cited as an example of also serving as a religious center for more than one religion?
Answer: Constantinople
Constantinople is cited as an example of a capital city that has historically served as a significant religious center for more than one religion.
How has the capital city evolved as a symbol with the rise of the modern nation-state?
Answer: It has become a powerful symbol for the state and its government, imbued with political meaning.
With the advent of the modern nation-state, the capital city has transformed into a potent symbol, deeply imbued with political meaning and reflecting national identity and aspirations.
In ancient China, what was the typical consequence of a capital city falling?
Answer: The dynasty could easily be toppled due to centralized bureaucracies.
In ancient China, the fall of a capital city often led to the swift collapse of the ruling dynasty, primarily due to the highly centralized nature of its bureaucracy.
Finland's capital was moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812 by the Russian Empire, reflecting a geopolitical shift.
Answer: True
The Russian Empire relocated Finland's capital from Turku to Helsinki in 1812, a decision driven by geopolitical considerations and a shift in political influence.
Modern capital cities are frequently located near the country's periphery to facilitate international trade.
Answer: False
Many modern capital cities are located near the center of the country for better accessibility to its population and improved protection from possible invasions, rather than primarily for international trade facilitation at the periphery.
Deliberately planned capital cities are always built on entirely new sites, never incorporating existing settlements.
Answer: False
While some deliberately planned capitals are built on entirely new sites, others are chosen as compromise locations, which may involve incorporating or being near existing settlements.
Brasília, Canberra, and Washington, D.C. are all examples of capital cities chosen as compromise locations between competing political divisions.
Answer: True
Brasília, Canberra, and Washington, D.C. exemplify 'neutral' capital cities founded or chosen as compromises to represent state unity or resolve disputes between competing political entities or regions.
The designation of Naypyidaw as Burma's capital was partly due to claims that the former capital, Rangoon, was overcrowded.
Answer: True
Naypyidaw was founded as Burma's capital in 2005, partly in response to claims that the former capital, Rangoon (Yangon), was overcrowded.
The Ming dynasty relocated its capital to Beijing primarily to be closer to its major economic centers.
Answer: False
The Ming dynasty's relocation of its capital to Beijing was primarily a strategic military decision to supervise the border with the Mongols and Manchus more effectively, not to be closer to economic centers.
The designation of Akmola (Astana) as Kazakhstan's capital in 1997 was a direct result of what major political change?
Answer: The collapse of the Soviet Union.
Akmola (Astana) was designated Kazakhstan's capital in 1997 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, reflecting a significant political regime change.
One of the main criteria for a deliberately planned and designed capital city is that it is:
Answer: Built expressly to house the seat of government.
A primary criterion for a deliberately planned capital city is its construction specifically to house the seat of government, often to address issues like overcrowding or climate.
How did New Delhi represent both a break and continuity with India's past?
Answer: It was a new, planned capital, but located in an area with a history of imperial capitals.
New Delhi represented a break as a new, planned capital, yet a continuity by being located in an area historically significant for numerous imperial capitals.
What is a common reason for the location of many modern capital cities?
Answer: To be located near the center of the country for accessibility and protection.
Many modern capital cities are strategically located near the country's center to enhance accessibility for the population and improve protection against potential invasions.
Which of these cities is NOT listed as an example of a deliberately planned and designed capital city?
Answer: London
Abuja, Ankara, and Brasília are examples of deliberately planned capitals, whereas London is a historical capital that evolved organically.
Which capital city was chosen as a compromise location between Melbourne and Sydney?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra, Australia, was specifically chosen as a compromise location to resolve competition between the established cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
Why was the ruined Athens made the capital of newly independent Greece in 1834?
Answer: With the romantic notion of reviving the glory of Ancient Greece.
Athens was chosen as the capital of newly independent Greece in 1834, driven by the romantic ideal of reviving the historical glory of Ancient Greece.
What is a 'forward capital' or 'spearhead capital' typically established for?
Answer: To relocate a capital to a geographically or demographically peripheral location for economic or strategic reasons.
A 'forward capital' or 'spearhead capital' is typically established through a symbolic relocation to a peripheral area for strategic or economic objectives, such as border supervision or geopolitical reorientation.
Why might a 'neutral' capital city be selected or founded?
Answer: To represent the unity of a new state or resolve squabbling between entities.
A 'neutral' capital city is often selected or founded to symbolize the unity of a new state or to mediate disputes between competing political entities or regions.
Why was Wellington chosen as New Zealand's capital in 1865?
Answer: To placate South Island residents and provide a more central location for parliament.
Wellington was chosen as New Zealand's capital in 1865 to provide a more central location for parliament and to address separatist sentiments among South Island residents.
What was the military purpose behind the Ming dynasty's relocation of its capital from Nanjing to Beijing?
Answer: To supervise the border with the Mongols and Manchus more effectively.
The Ming dynasty relocated its capital to Beijing primarily for military reasons, enabling more effective supervision and defense of the northern borders against Mongols and Manchus.
In some countries, different branches of government are intentionally located in separate settlements, leading to multiple official capitals or a split seat of government.
Answer: True
Some jurisdictions intentionally distribute governmental branches across different settlements, resulting in multiple official capitals or a split seat of government, as seen in various countries.
In federations, each constituent province or state typically has its own capital city in addition to a federal capital.
Answer: True
In federations, a common arrangement is for each constituent province or state to possess its own capital city, in addition to the overarching federal capital.
Plymouth in Montserrat is a ghost town that functions as the de facto capital of the territory.
Answer: False
Plymouth in Montserrat is a ghost town that serves as the de jure (by law) capital, not de facto, despite being largely uninhabited due to volcanic activity.
The Canary Islands is unique in Spain for having two capitals, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, established in 1982.
Answer: True
The Canary Islands is Spain's only autonomous community with a dual capital system, featuring Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as co-capitals, established in 1982.
Chile's National Congress, the legislative branch, meets in Valparaíso, separate from the capital city of Santiago.
Answer: True
In Chile, the legislative branch (National Congress) convenes in Valparaíso, maintaining a distinct location from the primary capital city of Santiago.
All of the Czech Republic's highest courts, including the Constitutional Court, are located in its capital city, Prague.
Answer: False
While Prague is the capital, the Czech Republic's Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Supreme Administrative Court are all situated in Brno, making it a significant judicial capital.
The French constitution explicitly names Paris as the official capital, outlining its role as the seat of government.
Answer: False
The French constitution does not explicitly name Paris as the capital; its status as the seat of Parliament is established by law, but constitutional powers can be transferred in emergencies.
Germany's governmental structure is highly centralized, with all federal ministries and the constitutional court located in Berlin.
Answer: False
Germany's governmental structure is decentralized; while Berlin houses the parliament and executive, various ministries are in Bonn, and the Federal Constitutional Court is in Karlsruhe.
Jammu and Kashmir's 'Darbar Move' involves shifting the entire state machinery between Srinagar and Jammu every six months.
Answer: True
The 'Darbar Move' in Jammu and Kashmir is a unique practice where the entire state machinery alternates between Srinagar (summer capital) and Jammu (winter capital) every six months.
Chandigarh is a Union Territory that serves as the shared capital for both Punjab and Haryana.
Answer: True
Chandigarh functions as a Union Territory and uniquely serves as the shared capital for the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.
South Korea has successfully relocated all its government agencies to Sejong City, fully decentralizing administrative functions from Seoul.
Answer: False
While many government agencies have moved to Sejong City for decentralization, Seoul remains the capital and seat of government branches, indicating that not all functions have been fully relocated.
Malaysia's constitutional capital is Kuala Lumpur, while its administrative capital and judiciary are in Putrajaya.
Answer: True
Malaysia operates with a split capital system: Kuala Lumpur is the constitutional capital, while Putrajaya serves as the administrative capital, housing the federal administrative center and judiciary.
City-states like Monaco and Singapore have distinct capital cities within their territories, despite their small size.
Answer: False
City-states such as Monaco and Singapore do not have distinct capital cities because their entire territory functions as a single urban entity and the seat of government.
In Montenegro, the presidency is located in Cetinje, while the parliament and executive branch are in Podgorica.
Answer: True
Montenegro exhibits a unique capital arrangement where the presidency is situated in Cetinje, the former royal capital, while the parliament and executive branch reside in Podgorica, the official capital.
Despite Naypyidaw being designated Myanmar's capital in 2005, most government offices and embassies are still in Yangon.
Answer: True
Although Naypyidaw was designated Myanmar's national capital in 2005, the transition is ongoing, with most government offices and embassies still located in the former capital, Yangon.
Nauru, a microstate, has a capital district that serves as its administrative center instead of a distinct capital city.
Answer: True
Nauru, a microstate, does not possess a distinct capital city; instead, its administrative functions are centered within a designated capital district.
The Philippines' Presidential Decree No. 940 designates only the City of Manila as the seat of government.
Answer: False
Presidential Decree No. 940 in the Philippines designates the entire National Capital Region (Metro Manila) as the seat of government, with the City of Manila as the country's capital, and other institutions scattered throughout the metropolitan area.
Portugal's constitution explicitly states that Lisbon is the national capital.
Answer: False
The Portuguese constitution does not explicitly name Lisbon as the national capital; its status is recognized by convention due to the concentration of governmental institutions.
South Africa's multi-capital system includes Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial), with its highest court in Johannesburg.
Answer: True
South Africa maintains a unique multi-capital system, with Pretoria as the administrative capital, Cape Town as the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein as the judicial capital, while its highest court is in Johannesburg.
The Swiss Supreme Court is located in Lausanne, not in Bern, which is Switzerland's de facto capital.
Answer: True
Switzerland's Supreme Court is located in Lausanne, distinct from Bern, which functions as the de facto capital, illustrating a separation of judicial and primary political functions.
Dodoma became Tanzania's national capital in 1996, and the transition of all government functions from Dar es Salaam is now complete.
Answer: False
While Dodoma was designated Tanzania's capital in 1996, the transition of government functions from Dar es Salaam is ongoing, with many offices and embassies still located in the former capital.
In Montenegro's unique capital arrangement, where is the seat of the presidency situated?
Answer: Cetinje
In Montenegro, the seat of the presidency is located in Cetinje, distinct from Podgorica, which houses the parliament and executive branch.
Which city is NOT listed as one of the three designated regional capital cities of the Azores?
Answer: Funchal
The three designated regional capitals of the Azores are Ponta Delgada, Horta, and Angra do Heroísmo; Funchal is not listed among them.
The Swiss Supreme Court is located in which city, separate from the de facto capital Bern?
Answer: Lausanne
The Swiss Supreme Court is located in Lausanne, demonstrating a separation of the highest judicial body from Switzerland's de facto capital, Bern.
How do capital city arrangements typically differ in federations compared to unitary states with constituent nations?
Answer: In federations, each constituent state has its own capital in addition to a federal capital.
In federations, a common distinction is that each constituent state or province maintains its own capital city, alongside a federal capital, unlike many unitary states.
Plymouth in Montserrat is notable for what unusual capital status?
Answer: It is the de jure capital despite being a ghost town due to volcanic activity.
Plymouth, Montserrat, holds the unusual status of being the de jure capital, despite being a ghost town largely uninhabited due to volcanic activity.
In Chile, where does the National Congress, the legislative branch, meet?
Answer: Valparaíso
Chile's National Congress, the legislative branch, convenes in Valparaíso, maintaining a distinct location from the capital city of Santiago.
Where are the Czech Republic's Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Supreme Administrative Court located?
Answer: Brno
The Czech Republic's highest courts—the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and Supreme Administrative Court—are all located in Brno, not Prague.
What is unique about the Canary Islands' capital arrangement?
Answer: It has two capitals, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands are unique in Spain for having a dual capital system, with Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria sharing the status.
Despite Berlin being Germany's official capital, which city holds the title 'Federal City' and houses various ministries?
Answer: Bonn
Bonn holds the title 'Federal City' in Germany and houses various federal ministries, despite Berlin being the official capital, reflecting a decentralized governmental structure.
What is the unique aspect of France's constitutional recognition of a capital city?
Answer: The constitution does not officially recognize any capital city.
The French constitution is unique in that it does not officially recognize any capital city, though Paris functions as the de facto seat of government.
The 'Darbar Move' in Jammu and Kashmir refers to what practice?
Answer: The shifting of the entire state machinery between Srinagar and Jammu every six months.
The 'Darbar Move' is the practice in Jammu and Kashmir of relocating the entire state machinery between Srinagar (summer capital) and Jammu (winter capital) every six months.
Which city is administered as a Union Territory and serves as the shared capital for both Punjab and Haryana?
Answer: Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a Union Territory that uniquely serves as the shared capital for the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.
Regarding South Korea's government agencies, what action has been taken in relation to Seoul?
Answer: Many government agencies have moved to Sejong City to decentralize functions.
To decentralize administrative functions and reduce congestion in Seoul, many South Korean government agencies have been relocated to Sejong City.
Describe the capital city arrangement in Malaysia.
Answer: Kuala Lumpur is the constitutional capital, while Putrajaya is the administrative capital.
Malaysia has a split capital system where Kuala Lumpur is the constitutional capital, and Putrajaya functions as the administrative capital, housing federal administrative and judicial bodies.
What is the reason city-states such as Monaco, Singapore, and Vatican City do not have distinct capital cities?
Answer: Their entire territory is essentially a single city, functioning as the seat of government.
City-states like Monaco, Singapore, and Vatican City do not have distinct capital cities because their entire territory comprises a single urban area that serves as the seat of government.
Despite Naypyidaw being designated Myanmar's national capital in 2005, what is the status of most government offices and embassies?
Answer: Most are still located in Yangon.
Even though Naypyidaw was designated Myanmar's capital in 2005, most government offices and embassies continue to operate from Yangon, the former capital.
How does Nauru manage its administrative functions without a distinct capital city?
Answer: It has a capital district that serves as its administrative center.
Nauru, a microstate, manages its administrative functions through a designated capital district, as it lacks a distinct capital city.
Presidential Decree No. 940 in the Philippines designates what as the seat of government?
Answer: The entire National Capital Region (Metro Manila).
Presidential Decree No. 940 designates the entire National Capital Region (Metro Manila) as the seat of government in the Philippines, with Manila as the country's capital.
What is Portugal's constitutional stance on its capital city?
Answer: The constitution has no reference to a capital.
The Portuguese constitution does not contain any explicit reference to a capital city; Lisbon's status is recognized by convention.
Which city serves as the legislative capital of South Africa?
Answer: Cape Town
In South Africa's multi-capital system, Cape Town serves as the legislative capital, housing the country's parliament.
What is the status of Dodoma as Tanzania's capital since its designation in 1996?
Answer: It remains the de jure capital, but many government offices and embassies are still in Dar es Salaam.
Dodoma remains the de jure capital of Tanzania since 1996, but many government offices and embassies are still located in Dar es Salaam, indicating an ongoing transition.
In the context of US states like Illinois, what highlights a practical separation between the official capital and daily operations?
Answer: Various government officials primarily reside or are active in a different major city.
In US states like Illinois, a practical separation exists where many government officials primarily reside or are active in a major city other than the official state capital.
What is the primary issue regarding Nicosia's capital status in Cyprus?
Answer: It is divided by a UN Buffer Zone, with both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus claiming it.
Nicosia's capital status in Cyprus is complicated by its division by a UN Buffer Zone, with both the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus claiming it as their capital.
Historically, economic prosperity and political influence were often linked, leading major economic centers to become capitals.
Answer: True
Major economic centers historically often became focal points of political power, subsequently evolving into capitals, demonstrating a strong correlation between economic prosperity and political influence.
Capital cities typically attract professionals like lawyers, bankers, and journalists due to the administrative needs of national governments.
Answer: True
Capital cities serve as hubs for national or imperial governments, attracting professionals such as lawyers, political scientists, bankers, journalists, and public policy makers whose skills are essential for efficient administration.
Traditional capitals always maintain their economic supremacy, preventing provincial rivals from eclipsing them.
Answer: False
Traditional capitals do not always maintain economic supremacy; they can be economically eclipsed by provincial rivals, as seen in examples like Quebec City by Montreal or Nanjing by Shanghai.
National capitals were less critical military objectives in medieval Western Europe compared to ancient China due to localized authority and feudalism.
Answer: True
In medieval Western Europe, socioeconomic trends favoring localized authority and feudalism meant that national capitals were less critical military objectives compared to the highly centralized states of ancient China.
Highly centralized states, such as France, are particularly susceptible to collapse if their capital is captured.
Answer: True
Highly centralized states, exemplified by France, are particularly vulnerable to 'utter ruin' if their capital is captured, owing to their concentrated bureaucratic structures.
What historical factor often led to a city becoming a focal point of political power and subsequently a capital?
Answer: Its status as a major economic center.
Historically, a city's status as a major economic center often propelled it to become a focal point of political power and subsequently a capital.
Which group of professionals is typically attracted to capital cities due to the needs of government administration?
Answer: Lawyers, political scientists, and public policy makers.
Capital cities attract professionals such as lawyers, political scientists, bankers, journalists, and public policy makers, whose expertise is crucial for efficient government administration.
Which pair of cities exemplifies a traditional capital being economically overshadowed by a provincial rival?
Answer: Quebec City by Montreal
Quebec City being economically overshadowed by Montreal is an example of a traditional capital losing economic supremacy to a provincial rival.
What did the American Civil War demonstrate about capital cities?
Answer: Tremendous resources were expended to defend them, underscoring their symbolic and strategic value.
The American Civil War highlighted the immense symbolic and strategic value of capital cities, as evidenced by the significant resources dedicated to their defense by both Union and Confederate forces.
Why were national capitals arguably less critical military objectives in medieval Western Europe compared to ancient China?
Answer: Socioeconomic trends favored localized authority and feudalism.
In medieval Western Europe, national capitals were less critical military objectives due to socioeconomic trends that favored localized authority and feudalism, distributing power more broadly.
Which historical event demonstrates that the capture of a capital did not immediately lead to the collapse of the state?
Answer: The Latin Crusaders capturing Constantinople in 1204.
The capture of Constantinople by Latin Crusaders in 1204 demonstrates that the fall of a capital does not always lead to immediate state collapse, as Byzantine forces regrouped and eventually reconquered the city.
According to the text, which type of state risks 'utter ruin' if its capital is taken?
Answer: Highly centralized states.
Highly centralized states, such as France, are particularly vulnerable to 'utter ruin' if their capital is captured, due to their concentrated administrative structures.