1. Political Geography and the Local Scale

2. 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.

3. U.S. Geographical Basis of Representation

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

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

6. 2000 Reapportionment

7. 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

8. 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

11. Gerrymandering Salamander, 1812

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. Congressional District #11

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

17. Redrawing Southwest Texas