Civics 101

Gerrymandering

Episode Summary

Gerrymandering: the act of drawing congressional districts to favor one party over the other. But how does it work? Is it "legal"? Today we explore the many ways people in power use maps to reward friends and punish enemies.

Episode Notes

The 2020 census has concluded, which means it's time for states to redraw their congressional districts. Today we're exploring partisan gerrymandering, the act of drawing those maps to benefit one party over the other. In this episode you'll learn about stacking, cracking, packing, and many other ways politicians choose voters (instead of the other way round). 

Taking us through the story of Gerry's salamander and beyond are professors Justin Levitt, Robin Best, and Nancy Miller.

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