POLS 207: State & Local Government - Gerrymandering

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gerrymandering as discussed in POLS 207 lecture notes.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

LULAC v. Perry

A 2006 Supreme Court case that weakened legal protections against gerrymandering in Texas.

Excessive Partisanship

Redistricting that is primarily aimed at gaining partisan advantage rather than fair representation.

Independent Commissions

Bodies established to oversee redistricting in an attempt to eliminate partisanship.

Voting Rights Act (VRA)

A landmark piece of federal legislation aimed at overcoming legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote.

Proportional Voting

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Pre-Clearance

A requirement under the Voting Rights Act that certain states obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws or practices.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically occurring every ten years after the census.

Partisan Advantage

The benefit gained by a political party through strategic manipulation of electoral district boundaries.

Demographic Changes

Alterations in the makeup of a population that can influence electoral outcomes and representational equity.