Meaning & Definition of word "Gerrymander"

Gerrymander

/ˈdʒɛr.iˌmæn.dər/

1. The practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
- Example: Gerrymandering has become a controversial topic in discussions about electoral fairness.
2. A district or electoral area that has been manipulated in this fashion.
- Example: The newly drawn gerrymander resulted in a strange shape that caused many to question its legitimacy.

1. To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party or class.
- Example: The state legislature gerrymandered the districts to secure a majority for their party.
2. To design a political district in a way that gives one party an advantage over others.
- Example: Many critics argue that gerrymandering undermines the democratic process by diluting votes.
3. To arrange a situation or process in a way that favors a particular outcome.
- Example: The committee was accused of gerrymandering the funding allocation to benefit their supporters.

The term is derived from 'Gerry', as in Elbridge Gerry, who signed a bill in 1812 that created a salamander-shaped district in Massachusetts.

gerrymandering:

The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries.

gerrymandered district:

An electoral district that has been manipulated for political gain.

political maneuvering:

Strategic actions taken to gain an advantage in a political context.

redistricting:

The process of redrawing district boundaries, often leading to gerrymandering.

malapportionment:

Unfair or unequal distribution of legislative representatives among districts.

Meaning: Playing the field

Example Sentence: Politicians often play the field when they gerrymander to ensure their party's dominance.

Meaning: Map rigging

Example Sentence: The opposition accused the incumbents of map rigging with their gerrymandering efforts.