Answer :
Gerrymandering is the shaping of legislative district boundaries in a manner that favors a specific party or candidate. Both Democrats and Republicans have practiced gerrymandering to establish 'safe seats' for their parties. Though the practice is controversial and can sometimes be challenged, it is not inherently illegal.
Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of legislative district boundaries as a way of favoring a particular candidate or party. It is not exclusive to any one party - both Democrats and Republicans have used it to their advantage. The term 'gerrymandering' comes from Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who in 1812 signed a redistricting plan that favored his party, leading to the said term when the district's shape resembled a salamander.
By controlling the redrawing of district boundaries, the dominant party in a state has the ability to establish 'safe seats' for its party. It is also used to create districts designed to ensure that the party's candidates will have a majority of members within its boundaries, thus affording them an electoral advantage.
At times, gerrymandering is challenged under the Voting Rights Act, particularly when it is seen as diluting the votes of racial minorities. Despite the negative perceptions towards it, the practice is not inherently illegal.
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