Gerrymandering Defined
According to the Dictionary of Human Geography, gerrymandering is "the deliberate drawing of electoral district boundaries to produce an electoral advantage for an interested party. The term was coined by enemies of Massachusetts Republican Governor Elbridge Gerry, who created a district in 1812 that his party would win: it was shaped like a salamander – hence the neologism and the widespread (if false) belief that gerrymandering necessarily involves odd-shaped district boundaries. Although gerrymandering has long been practiced in the USA, it has only recently – and in specific conditions – been interpreted by the courts there as a constitutional violation."
What is Gerrymanding?
Selected Subject Headings
- Apportionment (political science)
- Election districts
- Gerrymandering
- Voting -- United States
Suggested Search Terms
- Redistricting
- Gerrymandering
Selected Web Sites
- Ballotpedia - GerrymanderingBallotpedia, the "digital encyclopedia of American politics and elections," explains that gerrymandering has its roots in the early days of U.S. politics and cites relevant court cases.
- National Conference of State Legislatures - Redistricting CriteriaThe National Conference of State Legislatures provides information on how election district boundaries should be drawn
Selected Books
Drawing the Lines: Constraints on Partisan Gerrymandering in U.S. Politics by Call Number: JK1341 .S39 2017 (DPC)ISBN: 9781501705311Publication Date: 2017
Gerrymandering and Voting Districts by Call Number: JK1341 .G47 2019 (DPC)ISBN: 9781534503267Publication Date: 2018
One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying our Democracy by Call Number: JK1924 .A54 2018 (DPC)ISBN: 9781635571370Publication Date: 2018
