The once in a decade census determines the number of reps from each state. How maps are drawn determines who winds up on top.
Redistricting (Gerrymandering) articles on Democracy Chronicles
Redistricting, also known pejoratively as gerrymandering, refers to manipulation of the redrawing of districts to skew results towards a preferred party or candidate. With changes in population over time as cities grow and shrink, representative democracy requires adjusting border lines between electoral areas. For national elections, the U.S. Constitution outlines the need for a ten-year population count by census for national elections. The 50 states often have their own methods of redistricting. Also see our section on American democracy.
Can Computer Simulations Help Fix Democracy?
A technological revolution has made it harder for politicians to get away with gerrymandering. But there could be a glitch.
American Democracy Was Never Designed To Be Democratic
The cracking and packed partisan redistricting strategies aren’t just systemic problems; they constitute the entire political system.
4 States To Use Gerrymandered Maps Ruled Illegal
Despite judges opposing racially biased maps in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio, these states are going ahead with these maps.
How Redistricting Gives Republicans New Political Power
In this year’s midterm elections, Republicans are expected to take control of the House, and redistricting has given them a leg up.
New Book: A Surprising History Of Gerrymandering In America
The book explains how America got into the current crisis and shows how to safeguard the revered ideal of one person, one vote.
Introducing: When The People Decide
Several activists and average citizens have changed their communities and the country by taking important issues directly to votes.
What We Lose When We Lose Competitive Congressional Districts
Less than 8% of congressional districts, according to Cook Political Report, are expected to be competitive in the midterm elections.
Reviewing Apportionment And Redistricting
Recently revised maps show a tiny net gain for Democrats, but re-apportionment still falls short of being even net proportional.
Redistricting Likely to Undercut Strides Made by Women
Since 2018 the number of women in Congress has steadily risen with the 2020 election bringing that number to an historic high.