Understanding Gerrymandering

What is the primary goal of gerrymandering?

• To simplify the process of voting

• To ensure equal representation for all voters

• To increase voter turnout

• To redraw district lines to favor a specific political party

How does gerrymandering affect the political landscape?

• By promoting independent candidates

• By giving an advantage to one party over another

• By limiting political competition

• By ensuring fair elections

Who was the governor associated with the origin of the term 'gerrymandering'?

• George Washington

• Elbridge Gerry

• Thomas Jefferson

• Abraham Lincoln

In what year did Elbridge Gerry enact the redistricting that led to 'gerrymandering'?

• 1776

• 1812

• 1865

• 1901

What was the original party of Governor Elbridge Gerry?

• Democratic-Republican

• Republican

• Whig

• Federalist

What does the tactic of 'packing' in gerrymandering involve?

• Reducing the overall number of districts

• Concentrating opponents into a few districts

• Increasing the number of districts

• Dividing opponents into many districts

What is the opposite tactic of 'packing' used in gerrymandering?

• Cracking

• Dividing

• Splitting

• Slicing

What are the two main strategies used in gerrymandering?

• Packing and Cracking

• Splitting and Joining

• Adding and Removing

• Expanding and Contracting

Why might a political party choose to 'crack' a district?

• To simplify district shapes

• To consolidate their own voters

• To spread out the opponent's voters

• To create more districts

What should voters investigate about their district to understand potential gerrymandering?

• The annual budget of the district

• The district's population size

• The shape and size of the district

• The number of schools in the district