Congressional Redistricting Government Review Apportionment Census Reapportionment Gerrymander
- Slides: 7
Congressional Redistricting Government
Review • Apportionment • Census • Reapportionment • Gerrymander
Gerrymandering
Discuss with your group • Why do states reapportion districts? • Who actually creates new districts / reapportions? • Why might a lawmaker want certain people in their district?
Background • Your “state” has 34 counties. The population of each county is indicated. Your state is entitled to 10 members in the House of Reps because the total population is 5 million.
Activity • Divide your state into 10 districts so nearly every district is as equal in population as possible and as compact as possible. An idea district should contain 500, 000 people, although it may have as few as 490, 000 or as many as 510, 000. • Color each district a different color. Outline each district heavily and number them.
Answer the following: 1. What were the requirements for drawing a district? 2. How difficult was it to create districts of the size? 3 Why are some districts larger than others? 4. Why is it so important to create districts that are all relatively equal in population? 5. How often is redistricting completed? Why does it need to be done? 6. How might lawmakers manipulate districts for political purposes? 7. Should states have the power to apportion themselves? Explain. 8. Is this an efficient way to allot representatives? Explain. If not, what might be better?
