Elections
Gerrymandered maps can determine the partisan outcome of House and state-legislature races for a decade at a time.
In plain English
Gerrymandering is when map-drawers shape districts to lock in election outcomes before voters cast a single ballot.
Example
In Maryland and North Carolina alike, federal and state courts have struck down maps as unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders since 2018.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Representation
Voters can find themselves split across districts in ways that dilute the impact of their community’s vote.
Power
Whichever party controls redistricting in a state often controls the next ten years of its congressional delegation.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Cracking
Spreading the other side's voters thinly across many districts so they fall short of a majority in each one.
Packing
Concentrating the other side's voters into a few districts they win overwhelmingly, wasting their surplus votes.
Redrawing
Repeating the process after each census, locking in the advantage for a decade at a time.
Related guide
How congressional districts work
Congressional districts determine who represents Americans in the House of Representatives — and the way those districts are drawn can shape political power for years.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should states use independent redistricting commissions?
Some states allow independent commissions to draw voting district maps instead of elected politicians. Supporters say it reduces partisan bias. Critics argue it removes accountability from elected representatives.
Read the brief →You’ve learned the term. Now vote.
Should Congress restrict the sale of Americans' location data by commercial data brokers?
Live results — 170 voters
Anonymous · one vote per person
America has spoken.
Live community results — based on 170 anonymous votes.
See the full breakdown — by state and political lean Continue learning
Explore the next concept.
Survey
Should states retain primary control over interstate river water under federal compacts?
Should states retain primary control over interstate river water under federal compacts?
Issue brief
Should the Senate eliminate the filibuster?
The filibuster lets 41 senators block most legislation by refusing to end debate. Supporters say it protects minority rights. Critics say it makes Congress incapable of acting.
Civics guide
What is judicial review?
Judicial review is the power American courts use to decide whether a law or government action violates the Constitution.
Glossary
Cloture
Cloture is the only formal way to end a Senate filibuster — get 60 senators to vote to close debate, and the bill moves to a vote.