Understanding Reapportionment and Redistricting in Congressional Elections
This article delves into the complex processes of reapportionment and redistricting that define congressional elections in the United States. It discusses the operation of nonpartisan commissions in some states, the issue of malapportionment, and how unequal representation can affect urban and rural voters differently. Key cases like Baker v. Carr and Shaw v. Reno are explored, highlighting how gerrymandering—specifically packing and cracking—can manipulate voter demographics to favor certain political parties. A focus on majority-minority districts reflects current representation challenges.
Understanding Reapportionment and Redistricting in Congressional Elections
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Presentation Transcript
Governor and State Legislatures • “Nonpartisan Commissions” (few states) REDISTRICTING
Representatives per citizens • Montana: 1 Rep=902,195 • Maryland: 1 Rep=662,000 • Wyoming: 1 Rep=493,782
Malapportionment • Unequal number of citizens per district. • State does not redistrict. • Tennessee: 1900-1960– no redistricting. • Rural district: 1 seat for 2,300 voters. • Urban district: 1 seat for 44,600 voters. • Baker v. Carr (1962): • One person; One vote • Malapportionment is unconstitutional
Gerrymandering • Drawing odd-shaped district lines to favor a political party, race, or ethnic group. • http://planning.maryland.gov/Redistricting/redistrictingIMap.shtml
What is the difference? How does this benefit the Democrats?
Majority-Minority District (Illinois 4th District) Unites 2 Hispanic Neighborhoods.
Shaw v. Reno (1993): Racial Gerrymanders Unconstitutional When: Race is the predominant consideration, AND When other traditional districting principles are ignored (i.e., compactness). “Generally, such districts are extremely irregular and cannot be explained as anything other than an attempt to create a district according to race.” http://redistricting.state.md.us/maryland/mdredistinfo.htm
Davis v. Bandemer (1986): Partisan Gerrymanders • Unconstitutional When: • The plan “substantially interferes” with a minority party’s ability to participate (not so in this case).
Are majority-minority districts necessary? • Descriptive Representation • Rep reflects demographic characteristics of district. • Substantive Representation • Rep reflects the opinions of the district.
