2. Define reapportionment and redistricting. What is the impact of each on the composition of Congress? Define gerrymandering and discuss Supreme Court decisions on this issue.
Reapportionment is when the seats in the House of Representatives is realloted to the states to reflect the population in the nation. Redistricting is when the congressional districts are redrawn so that each representative represents roughly the same amount of people. This process is overseen by the state legislature including county officials. gerrymandering is when the redistricting is absurdly political and causes decisions to be made for pure political purposes. The Supreme Court has ruled against all gerrymandering when it has come before the court.
Reapportionment is the reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives. Reapportionment increases or decreases the number of seats a state has in the House of Representatives, not the Senate. More representatives mean that a state has more influence. Reapportionment also increases or decreases a state’s number of electoral votes. Redistricting is the drawing/redrawing of House/congressional (not Senate) district lines. Redistricting could change the political party in a certain district to be divided amoung two districts. This could change the entire atmosphere of that district by giving it a new population of people. Gerrymandering is the way a political party can manipulate electoral boundaries for political gain by using useful techniques and strategies to create partisan, incumbent protected and neutral districts. It is significant because it enhances political party strength resulting in minimizing the strength of the opposition party. Redistricting also protects incumbents by discouraging challengers. It can also increase or decrease minority representation. Because of these unfair affects of gerrymandering the Supreme Court has ruled against all gerrymandering upon every case that has appeared before them.
Sorry I forgot the part about dealing with the State Legislatures... The State Legislature is responsible for redistricting state Senate and Assembly, U.S. Congressional, and Board of Equalization districts. The governor must sign the legislative plan for its approval; if vetoed, the legislature may attempt an override with a two-thirds vote. Failing a two-thirds vote, the matter may be decided by the Supreme Court.
Reapportionment divides the 435 seats in the House of Representatives among the 50 states BASED ON POPULATION. The census every ten years (2010) determines how the seats will be distributed. The 2010 report should be announced in December. Some have predicted that Texas may gain 4 seats! That means some states will lose seats.
Even if a state keeps the same number of seats, the lines must be redrawn to reflect population shifts within the state. The Supreme Court has ruled that the EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the 14th amendment requires, "one man, one vote." All districts must have equal populations.
Usually the state legislature draws the new lines and the party in power does everything possible to benefit its members. A small number of states have non-partisan commissions that are much less political. Those states tend to have more competitive races for the House seats and fewer "safe seats." The Virginia General Assembly has rejected efforts to use a non-partisan commission for redistricting.
Reapportionment is when the seats in the House of Representatives is realloted to the states to reflect the population in the nation. Redistricting is when the congressional districts are redrawn so that each representative represents roughly the same amount of people. This process is overseen by the state legislature including county officials. gerrymandering is when the redistricting is absurdly political and causes decisions to be made for pure political purposes. The Supreme Court has ruled against all gerrymandering when it has come before the court.
ReplyDeleteReapportionment is the reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives. Reapportionment increases or decreases the number of seats a state has in the House of Representatives, not the Senate. More representatives mean that a state has more influence. Reapportionment also increases or decreases a state’s number of electoral votes. Redistricting is the drawing/redrawing of House/congressional (not Senate) district lines. Redistricting could change the political party in a certain district to be divided amoung two districts. This could change the entire atmosphere of that district by giving it a new population of people. Gerrymandering is the way a political party can manipulate electoral boundaries for political gain by using useful techniques and strategies to create partisan, incumbent protected and neutral districts. It is significant because it enhances political party strength resulting in minimizing the strength of the opposition party. Redistricting also protects incumbents by discouraging challengers. It can also increase or decrease minority representation. Because of these unfair affects of gerrymandering the Supreme Court has ruled against all gerrymandering upon every case that has appeared before them.
ReplyDeleteSorry I forgot the part about dealing with the State Legislatures...
ReplyDeleteThe State Legislature is responsible for redistricting state Senate and Assembly, U.S. Congressional, and Board of Equalization districts. The governor must sign the legislative plan for its approval; if vetoed, the legislature may attempt an override with a two-thirds vote. Failing a two-thirds vote, the matter may be decided by the Supreme Court.
Reapportionment divides the 435 seats in the House of Representatives among the 50 states BASED ON POPULATION. The census every ten years (2010) determines how the seats will be distributed. The 2010 report should be announced in December. Some have predicted that Texas may gain 4 seats! That means some states will lose seats.
ReplyDeleteEven if a state keeps the same number of seats, the lines must be redrawn to reflect population shifts within the state. The Supreme Court has ruled that the EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the 14th amendment requires, "one man, one vote." All districts must have equal populations.
Usually the state legislature draws the new lines and the party in power does everything possible to benefit its members. A small number of states have non-partisan commissions that are much less political. Those states tend to have more competitive races for the House seats and fewer "safe seats." The Virginia General Assembly has rejected efforts to use a non-partisan commission for redistricting.