how do state legislatures abuse their redistricting power
The term gerrymandering is often used when referring to the redistricting of a state. The word was first used in connection with Elbridge Gerry, who served as Governor of Massachusetts.
The control of the apportionment and redistricting process varies depending on the country and sometimes within different levels of government. In many democracies, such as the United States, the responsibility falls on the state government. In some cases, independent commissions or bipartisan committees may be responsible for conducting the process to ensure fairness and prevent gerrymandering.
Redistricting changes political borders within a geographical area.
Redistricting changes political borders within a geographical area.
revision of the geographic boundaries within a state
Gerrymandering occurs when a congressional district's boundaries are redrawn to give one party a clear advantage over another. In the US, redistricting occurs after the results of the Census are tabulated. Redistricting is currently (2012) occurring in the US. Because in most states a state's legislature gets to decide on the redistricting plan, the party currently in power often attempts to give themselves an advantage in future elections by gerrymandering.
The governor of a state appoints a committee charged with redistricting the voting districts according to population.
It is called Gerrymandering.
State Legislatures
It is called Gerrymandering.
districts must be equally populated. lines must be contiguous or connected. redistricting cannot dilute minority voting strength. district lines cannot be drawn solely based upon race. districts must be compact. communities of interest must be protected.