Gerrymander

Written by Jonathan Milner

Definition

Drawing election district boundaries to give one party or group an advantage. The term comes from Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry, who signed off on an oddly shaped district in 1812.

Example

In Rucho v. Common Cause (2019), the Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering claims are political questions that federal courts cannot decide.

 

Questions

  1. Define gerrymander and identify where the term comes from.

  2. Explain the difference between packing and cracking.

  3. Describe how gerrymandering can create safe seats.

  4. Explain the outcome of Rucho v. Common Cause.

  5. Explain the difference between partisan and racial gerrymandering, using Shaw v. Reno.

  6. Identify one reform some states use to reduce gerrymandering.

  7. Describe how gerrymandering connects to the idea of "one person, one vote."

  8. Who should draw district lines: legislators, courts, or independent commissions? Explain.

  9. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept gerrymander?

  10. Translate gerrymander into plain English.

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 a gerrymander! Draw 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.

Further Review

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GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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