Gerrymandering & Internal Boundaries [AP Human Geography Unit 4 Topic 6]

Summary

In this video, Mr. Sin delves into the complexities of internal boundaries, focusing on redistricting and gerrymandering. He explains how these processes shape political power and influence elections, highlighting how districts are redrawn to favor political parties. The video covers the terms 'cracking' and 'packing,' showing how districts can be manipulated to ensure political advantage. While gerrymandering can skew democratic representation, potential solutions like independent commissions and algorithms are explored. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own district's fairness and how redistricting should be approached.

Takeaways

• 😀 Internal boundaries are divisions within a state, such as counties, congressional districts, and city boundaries, whereas international boundaries separate different states or countries.
• 😀 Voting districts are geographic areas where citizens go to vote. They may need to be redrawn after each census to better reflect population changes, a process known as redistricting.
• 😀 Redistricting is usually carried out by state legislatures, though some states use independent commissions to avoid partisan manipulation.
• 😀 Gerrymandering is the manipulation of district boundaries to favor one political party over another. It can distort representation in government by allowing politicians to choose their voters.
• 😀 The term 'gerrymandering' originated from Elbridge Gerry's redistricting in 1812, which created a district that looked like a salamander. This term combines his name with the creature's shape.
• 😀 Gerrymandering can take two forms: cracking, where like-minded voters are spread across many districts to dilute their vote, and packing, where they are concentrated into a few districts to minimize their influence elsewhere.
• 😀 Both the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. have engaged in gerrymandering to gain political power and secure more seats in government.
• 😀 In 2012, despite Democrats receiving over a million more votes in the House elections, Republicans won more seats, a result many attribute to gerrymandering.
• 😀 Gerrymandering is believed to contribute to low approval ratings for Congress, as many members are re-elected even though the public expresses dissatisfaction with the institution.
• 😀 Some propose using algorithms or independent commissions to create districts and reduce the impact of gerrymandering, though others argue that politicians are best suited to draw districts based on their understanding of constituents.

Q & A

What is the difference between internal boundaries and international boundaries?

Internal boundaries are divisions within a state, such as congressional districts, counties, or school districts. International boundaries separate different states or countries.

What is a voting district, and why do districts need to be redrawn?

A voting district is a geographic area where citizens go to vote. Districts need to be redrawn after each census, every 10 years, to reflect population changes and maintain fair representation.

What is the process of redistricting, and who is responsible for it in the U.S.?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing district boundaries to reflect population shifts. In the U.S., it is typically handled by state legislatures, though some states use independent commissions.

What is gerrymandering, and how does it affect elections?

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular political party. It can skew elections by giving one party an unfair advantage in terms of representation.

What is the origin of the term 'gerrymandering'?

The term 'gerrymandering' comes from Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, who in 1812 redrew districts to benefit his party, creating a district that resembled a salamander.

What are the two main tactics used in gerrymandering?

The two main tactics in gerrymandering are 'cracking,' which spreads voters from one party across multiple districts to dilute their influence, and 'packing,' which concentrates the opposing party's voters into a few districts to minimize their impact elsewhere.

How does gerrymandering create 'safe districts'?

Gerrymandering creates safe districts by ensuring that one party has a virtually guaranteed win in that district, reducing competition and making it less likely for other parties to win.

What impact has gerrymandering had on voter participation and congressional approval ratings?

Gerrymandering can reduce voter participation by making elections less competitive. It has been linked to low congressional approval ratings, as many incumbents are re-elected despite low overall public satisfaction with Congress.

What are the potential solutions to gerrymandering?

Possible solutions to gerrymandering include using algorithms or independent commissions to redraw district boundaries, though some argue that these solutions might still be influenced by political biases.

Why do some argue that independent commissions or algorithms might still not solve gerrymandering?

Some argue that independent commissions or algorithms could still be influenced by political biases, as they may not fully eliminate the potential for district boundaries to favor one party over another.