Section 4.3 Cui Bono - Who Benefits?
In this chapter we will explore two types of gerrymandering: partisan gerrymandering and racial gerrymandering.
Partisan gerrymandering is the practice of drawing district lines to maximize a political party's advantage in elected representatives. In this type of gerrymandering, voters and representatives of the party in power benefit as an increased delegation directly impacts the laws and policies that are able to pass in government, both on the state and national levels. On the other hand, voters and representatives of the party not in power suffer from being underrepresented in government and may be victims of a cycle where the opposing party maintains their power through the redistricting process.
Racial gerrymandering is the practice of drawing district lines to reduce the impact of racial minority voters by limiting their ability to elect candidates of their choice. This practice is illegal in the United States. Historically, in this type of gerrymandering, White people benefit from the drawing of districts that systematically stifle voters of color. On the other hand, people of color (POC) continue to be oppressed and are in a more difficult position to elect representatives to government that may fight for policies on their behalf.