AP Human Geography : Electoral Geography: Redistricting & Gerrymandering

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Human Geography

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Electoral Geography: Redistricting & Gerrymandering

One major result of gerrymandering on an elected body is __________.

Possible Answers:

political representation of all groups in an electoral district

guaranteeing equal status for all voters

more power being invested in a single leader

uneven representation of a district's population groups

proportional representation in an elected body

Correct answer:

uneven representation of a district's population groups

Explanation:

Gerrymandering refers to the process wherein political officials redraw electoral districts to favor a certain political party, ethnic group, coalition, or social class. The process can be done either by "packing" districts with specific kinds of voters or by drawing lines so as to create districts which have small advantages in voter numbers. Gerrymandering intentionally creates uneven representation and is usually seen as a negative process.

Example Question #1 : Electoral Geography: Redistricting & Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is traditionally associated with the manipulation of which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Populations

Physical borders

State shapes

Voting districts

Political borders

Correct answer:

Voting districts

Explanation:

Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the layout of voting districts in order to give particular groups greater voting power while concentrating the voting power of opposing groups.

Example Question #2 : Electoral Geography: Redistricting & Gerrymandering

Manipulating the boundaries of an electoral area to favor a particular political party is called __________.

Possible Answers:

racial steering

gerrymandering

electioneering

district formation

state formation

Correct answer:

gerrymandering

Explanation:

Gerrymandering occurs when governments choose electoral boundaries to favor one particular party. Electioneering is to take part in the activities of a campaign. State formation and district formation are not related to gerrymandering. Racial steering is persuading members of a certain race to live with people of their own race, maintaining the homogeneity of neighborhoods.

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