Answer :
Final answer:
Redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, usually performed by state legislatures or independent commissions after each census. Gerrymandering is the manipulation of these boundaries for political advantage. Gerrymandering negatively affects democracy by allowing political parties to secure unfair advantages in elections.
Explanation:
Redistricting and Gerrymandering
Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to accommodate changes in population. It is typically performed by state legislatures or independent commissions after each census, which occurs every 10 years. Gerrymandering, on the other hand, is the manipulation of district boundaries for political advantage.
Who is Responsible and How Often
Redistricting is primarily the responsibility of state legislatures, although some states use independent commissions. The frequency of redistricting varies by state, but it generally happens once every 10 years after the census.
Reasons for Redistricting
Redistricting takes place to ensure fair representation by periodically adjusting district boundaries to account for population shifts. It aims to ensure that each district has a roughly equal number of residents. Additionally, redistricting may occur to comply with legal requirements, such as those pertaining to racial gerrymandering or the Voting Rights Act.
Negative Effects of Gerrymandering on Democracy
Gerrymandering can have detrimental effects on democracy as it allows political parties to manipulate district boundaries to favor their own interests. By drawing districts in a way that concentrates their opponents' supporters into fewer districts, a party can secure an unfair advantage in elections. This undermines the principles of fair representation and can lead to a distortion of the democratic process.
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