Gerrymandering, the process of strategically drawing district lines to gain political advantage, has been a significant political and policy issue in the U.S. over the last decade. Recently, there have been attempts to measure and combat gerrymandering using statistics. In a short report intended for an audience unfamiliar with gerrymandering but who understands basic statistics, complete the following tasks:

1. Define and explain what gerrymandering is (in more detail than provided here).
2. Cite a real-life example of gerrymandering.
3. Walk through a simple example to demonstrate the main idea behind gerrymandering, similar to how a textbook or lecturer would.

Gerrymandering, a strategic manipulation of district boundaries, distorts democratic representation. Real-life examples, like North Carolina's 2016 redrawn districts, showcase its impact. A step-by-step walkthrough illustrates gerrymandering's core concept and its consequences.

Step 1: Define Gerrymandering

Provide a detailed definition of gerrymandering, explaining it as the deliberate manipulation of electoral district boundaries to gain political advantage.

Step 2: Explain Intricacies

Elaborate on the intricacies of gerrymandering, discussing historical context, legal implications, and common tactics like "cracking" and "packing" voters.

Step 3: Introduce Real-Life Example

Present a real-life case study, such as the redrawing of North Carolina's congressional districts in 2016, to illustrate how gerrymandering affects electoral outcomes.

Step 4: Analyze Case Study

Analyze the chosen case study, highlighting how gerrymandering distorted electoral representation and undermined democratic principles.

Step 5: Walkthrough Example

Provide a step-by-step example demonstrating gerrymandering's core concept using hypothetical voting districts and population distributions.

Step 6: Illustrate Techniques

Illustrate gerrymandering techniques like manipulating district boundaries to concentrate or dilute the voting power of specific demographic groups.

Step 7: Conclude

Conclude by emphasizing the importance of addressing gerrymandering in electoral reform efforts to ensure fair and equitable representation in democratic processes.

Complete Question:

In a comprehensive report tailored for individuals unfamiliar with gerrymandering but possessing basic statistical knowledge, accomplish the following:

Elaborate on the definition and intricacies of gerrymandering, delving deeper than the provided overview.

Provide a real-life case study exemplifying the occurrence of gerrymandering.

Conduct a step-by-step walkthrough of a simplified example elucidating the core concept of gerrymandering, akin to instructional materials found in textbooks or lectures.