Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

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What does the term gerrymandering refer to?

  1. Creating equal political representation

  2. The process of redrawing territorial district boundaries to favor a certain political party

  3. The establishment of unbiased electoral zones

  4. Assigning voting areas based on population

The correct answer is: The process of redrawing territorial district boundaries to favor a certain political party

Gerrymandering specifically refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or group. This process often involves drawing district lines in such a way that it maximizes the voting power of a party's supporters while diluting the opposition's influence. The term originated from a combination of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry's last name and the unusual shape of a district he helped create, which was said to resemble a salamander. This practice can take several forms, such as "packing," which concentrates opposition voters into a few districts, or "cracking," which spreads them across many districts to minimize their impact. The ultimate goal is to achieve an advantage in elections without necessarily reflecting the actual distribution of voters. Understanding gerrymandering highlights significant issues relating to political representation, electoral fairness, and the integrity of democratic processes.