THE DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR REASONS OF POLITICAL ADVANTAGE IS TERMED
- A. dissolution
- B. prorogation
- C. gerrymandering ✓
- D. delimitation
The answer to the question is: C. gerrymandering
The term for the delineation of electoral constituencies for reasons of political advantage is “gerrymandering.” Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party or class. This practice can result in unequal representation and has been a subject of controversy in democratic systems.
Gerrymandering is named after Elbridge Gerry, the governor of Massachusetts, who in 1812 approved a redistricting plan that benefited his Democratic-Republican Party. The plan was drawn in such a way that it created a district resembling a salamander, leading to the term “gerrymander.” The practice has been used by both major political parties in the United States and has been a topic of debate and legal challenges.
Gerrymandering can take various forms, including “packing” voters of one party into a small number of districts to reduce their influence in other areas, or “cracking” by spreading out opposition voters across multiple districts to dilute their impact. These practices can distort the democratic process by creating uncompetitive districts and reducing the responsiveness of elected officials to their constituents.
The issue of gerrymandering has been the subject of academic research, legal cases, and public debate. Efforts to address gerrymandering have included calls for independent redistricting commissions, legal challenges based on constitutional principles, and proposals for alternative districting methods aimed at promoting fairness and representation.
