Explain the purpose, process, and potential problems associated with redistricting. Describe attempts by states and the federal government to solve redistricting problems. Were these solutions effective?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Explain that the process of redrawing congressional districts is an effort to reflect increases or decreases in seats in the House of Representatives.
2, Assesses that in most cases, redistricting has been used as a partisan tool by the incumbent majority to create voting districts favorable to their reelection. Gerrymandering is a term given for this sort of partisan district creation. Packing and cracking describe whether district lines are drawn to give electoral favor to a particular group of constituents (packing), or to divide a block of opposition constituents (cracking).
3, Make note of attempts at positive gerrymandering, such as the creation of majority-minority districts to encourage the fair representation of politically disenfranchised minority groups. Note the efforts of some states to make redistricting less political by outsourcing the drawing of district boundaries to private firms.
4, Make an argument based on previous statements as to the efficacy of these solutions.
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One of the grievances cited by Texans in 1836 was that the Mexican government had failed to establish a system of public education
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
What is the function of a constitution vis-à-vis majorities and minorities?
a) It ensures that the majority treats minorities with dignity and respect. b) It limits the power of the majority. c) It limits the power of minorities. d) It ensures that minorities respect the authority of the ruling majority
In San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez, the Supreme Court held what?
a. equal school funding is not a constitutional right b. poor citizens cannot be expected to bear the same tax burden as wealthier ones c. all children deserve the same access to education d. the Equal Protection Clause requires equal advantages
Which of the following statements about interest group coalitions is LEAST accurate?
A. Entering into a coalition may require interest groups to abandon or deemphasize certain parts of their agendas in order to retain the support of their coalition members. B. Government officials often prefer to work with coalitions because they show the possibilities for consensus on a given policy. C. Because interest groups are driven purely by ideology, they never form coalitions with groups whose views are not the same as their own. D. Coalitions allow individual interest groups to enhance their visibility. E. Coalitions expand individual interest groups' access to resources.