Task Force: Federal Laws Against Gerrymandering

Congratulations!

The election commission has hired you to design a federal law aimed at combating gerrymandering in the United States. Your goal is to try and design a plan that will appeal to both political parties. 

Why Are We Doing This?

Gerrymandering is the process of creating political boundaries to favor one party.  Its origins date back to the redrawing of Massachusetts state senate election districts in 1812. Here, we ask you to design a federal law against gerrymandering while considering how to appeal to both political parties. 

Steps:

1. Before you begin, read this article about gerrymandering and how the manipulation of boundaries can influence one party. Then, read more about its occurrence and history. 
2. Then, try to come up with a federal law against gerrymandering in the United States.
   1. What has been done to address the issue? 
   2. Where do you see discrepancies? 
   3. Are they reformable? How?
   4. What areas are most impacted by gerrymandering?
   5. How do you plan to help these areas?
   6. Of the discrepancies you have identified in past efforts, which do you plan to change? How?
   7. Try to write out a federal law against gerrymandering. 
3. Think through the possible objections about your federal law that someone might have.
4. Share with the group and see if you can convince them that your law to lower the occurrence of gerrymandering should be adopted by the United States.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You do not have to come up with an exhaustive list of guidelines for your plan. Focus on a few you are prepared to defend.