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Final answer:
Gerrymandering involves manipulating district boundaries to favor certain political parties or groups, often after population shifts revealed by the census. Both political parties have practiced gerrymandering, and while not wholly unconstitutional, it can be contested under the Voting Rights Act. Technological advances have made gerrymandering more effective, exacerbating political polarization.
Explanation:
Gerrymandering is a tactic used to manipulate legislative district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. The practice has been around since the early 1800s and remains a contentious issue in American politics today. Three statements that correctly describe gerrymandering in the United States are:
Gerrymandering often takes place after census data shows a shift in a state's population, allowing political parties in power to redraw districts to their advantage.
Both major political parties have engaged in gerrymandering when it suits their interests, though they often deny its problematic nature.
The Supreme Court has not declared gerrymandering unconstitutional in its entirety, but certain types, such as racial gerrymandering, can be challenged under the Voting Rights Act.
Gerrymandering can greatly affect electoral outcomes, creating 'safe seats' and reducing incentives for politicians to appeal to broader constituencies. This can lead to increased polarization and a decline in moderate perspectives within Congress. However, as technology advances and data analysis becomes more sophisticated, the precision of gerrymandering has transformed the practice into a more potent and persistent issue.