Redistricting

amemndments
Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Redistricting is the process of drawing U.S. House electoral district boundaries which takes place in the United States following reapportionment after the completion of each decennial census (every year ending in 0) to account for population shifts. Redistricting typically occurs after the decennial census but can be done at any time based on the discretion of the state legislature which decide the makeup of each district.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. Translate redistricting into plain English?

  2. When did your state last redistrict?

  3. What is the difference between reapportionment and redistricting?

  4. Which must happen first: redistricting or reapportionment?

  5. How often can states redistrict?

  6. Who sets up the rules for redistricting in a state?

  7. Who can challenge the redistricting of a state?

  8. What part of the Constitution sets up redistricting?

  9. What would happen if we never redistricted?

  10. What is the relationship between redistricting and elections?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw redistricting with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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Reapportionment