Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering

I can evaluate the ability of the two party system to provide choice for the American People

Multiple Choice

How often is the US Census completed?

• Every year

• Every 4 years

• Every 10 years

• Every 100 years

Multiple Choice

The Census is used to determine the distribution of...

• electoral votes & house members

• electoral votes & senators

• electoral votes, house members, & senators

• house members & senators

Redistricting

• Every 10 years the census is completed and population determines how many electoral votes & house members each state will have for the next decade

• After each state (that is large enough to have more than 1 house member) is allocated its number, redistricting begins

• Redistricting: the process of drawing boundaries for Congressional Districts

• State legislatures determine rules for redistricting (and usually draw the districts)

• The district must be contiguous & all districts must have the same population

Gerrymandering

• Redrawing districts (often in odd shapes) to give one political party an advantage

• This occurs when one political party is in control of the redistricting process and works to ensure that it will have as much power as possible, and the other party will have as little power as possible

Partisan politicians and primary challenges

• If a district is drawn to ensure that either a democrat or republican wins, there is very little competition in the general election

• One way to get rid of the incumbent (person in office running for reelection) is through a primary challenge

• Republicans might face a challenge from a more conservative candidate

• Democrats might face a challenge from a more progressive/socialist candidate

Multiple Choice

True or false: Politicians with extreme political beliefs are less likely to compromise to create legislation.

• True

• False

Gridlock

• The government is unable to negotiate and pass new laws

• Gerrymandering & primaries incentivizes extremism

• Politicians who hold extremist beliefs are not likely to compromise

• Without compromise, laws are difficult to get passed

Poll

Does gerrymandering take away people's ability to choose their representatives?

• Yes

• No

• Unsure