Gerrymandering and Redistricting:

1. Define and be able to identify Gerrymandering.
- Gerrymandering is the intentional manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

2. Describe methods to achieve Gerrymandering (cracking, packing, etc.).
- Cracking refers to dispersing voters of a particular type across many districts to dilute their impact.

3. Describe the relationship between redistricting and the census.
- Redistricting is based on population changes as determined by the census.

4. Describe political consequences resulting from redistricting.
- Redistricting can significantly alter the political landscape, affecting the balance of power between parties.

5. Explain why redistricting would mainly occur in a federal state.
- Federal states often have multiple electoral districts that require adjustment based on population shifts.

6. Explain how redistricting can affect politics on a national scale.
- Redistricting can influence national elections by changing the composition of districts and the distribution of political power.

Gerrymandering is the intentional manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another. It involves redrawing district lines to concentrate or dilute specific groups of voters. Redistricting, which is tied to the census, has political consequences and can affect politics on a national scale. So the correct answer is option (a)

Explanation:

Gerrymandering is the intentional manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another. It involves redrawing district lines in order to concentrate or dilute specific groups of voters to gain an advantage in elections. The two primary methods of gerrymandering are cracking and packing. Cracking involves dividing a group of voters into multiple districts to weaken their influence, while packing involves concentrating a group of voters in a single district to limit their overall impact.

In the United States, redistricting is closely tied to the decennial census. The census provides data on population changes, which are used to determine the number of seats each state receives in the House of Representatives. Redistricting is the process of redrawing district boundaries to ensure equal representation based on population shifts. It is often done by state legislatures or independent redistricting commissions.

The political consequences of redistricting can be significant. By manipulating district boundaries, gerrymandering can create safe seats for incumbents and make it difficult for challengers from opposing parties to win elections. This can lead to a lack of competition and representation, as well as polarization in politics.

Redistricting mainly occurs in federal states because the division of power between the national and state governments allows states to have control over their own electoral districts. This means that the rules and processes for redistricting can vary from state to state. In countries with a more centralized government, redistricting is typically done at the national level.

Redistricting can affect politics on a national scale by influencing the composition and balance of power in the House of Representatives. It can impact the number of seats each party holds and the overall political landscape of the country. Gerrymandering, in particular, can distort the will of the voters and lead to a lack of fair representation.