Political Geography and the Local Scale

A. Geographical Systems of Representation The U.S. uses a system of Democratic Rule and we are organized territorially by area. Voters vote for officials and policies that will represent them and affect them where they live.

U.S. Geographical Basis of Representation

B. Reapportionment Population changes with migration Need to reapportion seats Based on Census Every state keeps at least one Representative Method of equal proportions

Count the number of red and blue dots in the four districts

2000 Reapportionment

C. Redistricting Redrawing district boundaries based on reapportionment In most states, done by legislature Meant to maintain equality of votes; equal representation Can be manipulated

D. Gerrymandering Boundaries of districts are redrawn to advantage a particular political party or candidate or to prevent or ensure a loss of power to a particular subpopulation Consolidating power Diluting opponents’ power

Gerrymandering Salamander, 1812

D. Gerrymandering and 1812 Election Governor Eldridge Gerry of MA signed a a bill designed to maximize the election of Republican-Democrats over Federalists in election of 1812. Concentrated Federalist votes within a single “sacrifice” district in order to avert the possibility of Federalists influencing voters in other districts.

D. Gerrymandering Racist gerrymandering after Civil War Put all minorities in one district Dilute them among all districts 1982 Voting Rights Act Majority-minority districts Constitutional issues

What’s wrong with these districts? IL: 4th District TX: 12th District What’s wrong with these districts? FL: 22nd and 23rd Districts NY: 18th District

Congressional District #11

E. Gerrymandering and Democracy Removes decision-making from voters “Candidates choose the voters” More polarized Congress

Redrawing Southwest Texas