Basics of Gerrymandering
what is Gerrymandering?
The manipulation of district boundaries to favor one party or group.
The term gerrymandering comes from what U.S. politician’s name?
Elbridge Gerry
What is cracking in gerrymandering?
Splitting up voters of one group across districts to dilute their vote.
Who usually controls how voting districts are drawn in each state?
State legislatures
What U.S. state is often cited in studies for extreme gerrymandering favoring Republicans?
North Carolina
What is the purpose of gerrymandering?
To give one party or group an electoral advantage.
In what century did gerrymandering begin?
19th century
What is packing in gerrymandering?
Concentrating opposing voters into one district to reduce their influence elsewhere.
What Supreme Court case said districts must have roughly equal populations?
Reynolds v. Sims
What southern state has faced repeated court challenges for racial gerrymandering?
Alabama
What does redistricting mean in politics?
Redrawing electoral district boundaries, usually after a census.
What state was the original gerrymandered district in?
Massachusetts
What is stacking in racial gerrymandering?
Combining minority voters with large majorities to weaken their influence.
Can gerrymandering based on race be illegal?
Yes, the Supreme Court has ruled it can be unconstitutional.
Name a state that uses an independent redistricting commission to avoid gerrymandering.
California
True or False: Gerrymandering can only benefit one political party.
False. It can be used by any party in power.
What animal shape was the original gerrymandered district said to resemble?
A salamander
Why do people use these techniques?
To help one party win more elections unfairly.
What 2019 Supreme Court case said federal courts can’t decide if political gerrymandering is unfair?
Rucho v. Common Cause
What state’s oddly shaped 4th congressional district has been called the poster child of gerrymandering?
Illinois
What’s the difference between gerrymandering and redistricting?
Redistricting is the legal process; gerrymandering is when it’s done for unfair advantage.
How did gerrymandering affect elections in the 19th century?
It was used to secure power for dominant parties in state legislatures.
What is it called when voters are split up to make their votes weaker?
Cracking
What part of the Constitution is used to fight racial gerrymandering in court?
The 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause)
In 2022, which state’s congressional map was redrawn after being ruled unconstitutional for racial bias?
Louisiana