Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral constituencies to favor one party or class. It often results in voting districts that are oddly shaped and do not reflect logical geographical divisions.
Related terms
Electoral district: An area with defined boundaries within a country from which a representative is elected to a legislative body.
Redistricting: The process of drawing electoral district boundaries, often following population changes reflected in census data.
Partisan politics: Politics that are strongly influenced by the adherence to and promotion of the policies and principles of a particular political party or ideology