Gerrymander

/ˈdʒɛr.iˌmæn.dər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Gerrymandering has become a controversial topic in discussions about electoral fairness.

A district or electoral area that has been manipulated in this fashion.

The newly drawn gerrymander resulted in a strange shape that caused many to question its legitimacy.

verb

To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party or class.

The state legislature gerrymandered the districts to secure a majority for their party.

To design a political district in a way that gives one party an advantage over others.

Many critics argue that gerrymandering undermines the democratic process by diluting votes.

To arrange a situation or process in a way that favors a particular outcome.

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.

Playing the field

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

Map rigging

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