Changing Geography: Changing Politics

Question 9 • RAIL OC World Geography Studies B 2027

Which statement represents a case of gerrymandering?

Answer

The Republican-controlled legislature of Michigan adjusts its political districts to keep Republicans in office.

The Republican-controlled legislature of Texas adjusts its political districts to account for an increase in population in urban areas.

The Democratic-controlled legislature of Illinois eliminates polling places in rural areas, making it more difficult for rural voters to participate in elections.

The Democratic-controlled legislature of California decides to ignore the results of a population shift and keep its current political borders in place.

Explanation

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to give a political party or group an advantage. In choice A, Michigan’s Republican-controlled legislature adjusts districts specifically to help Republicans stay in office, so that is gerrymandering. Adjusting districts to reflect population changes, as in B, is not by itself gerrymandering.

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