downstates
Areas below capitals
The plural of downstate, referring to the southern regions of states that have distinct northern and southern identities—most commonly New York and Illinois.
The term typically contrasts with a dominant metropolitan area in the north: The downstates of New York and Illinois share similar political dynamics, with rural southern regions often at odds with their northern urban centers.
Defined geographical areas
- ruralOf the countryside
- southernToward the sunbelt
- northernToward the top
- IllinoisMidwestern state, sixth-largest
New York · capitals · metropolitan · urban · divide · counties · legislators · districts
Those acting for others
- legislatorsElected law-making officials
- votingFormally registering a choice
- districtsDefined administrative regions
- blocAllied group sharing interests
caucus · constituents · elections · apportionment · interests · rivalry · funding · allocation
regions
Defined geographical areas
Illinois · New York · capitals · metropolitan · urban · divide · counties · legislators · districts · boundaries
representatives
Those acting for others
- legislatorsElected law-making officials
- votingFormally registering a choice
- districtsDefined administrative regions
bloc · caucus · constituents · elections · apportionment · interests · rivalry · funding · allocation · urban-rural
downstatesmetropolitan areas
Cities plus surrounding communities
urban centers · state capitals · city proper · downtown areas · inner cities