Every decade, states engage in redistricting – the redrawing of congressional and state legislative boundaries – after the release of new census data. This process often becomes politicized, with district lines drawn to create partisan advantages and disadvantages, a tactic known as gerrymandering. The practice is almost as old as the nation. The term has been around for more than 200 years, ever since Gov. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts approved a redistricting scheme that included a state senate district resembling, some thought, a salamander. Both parties have always played the redistricting game, sometimes with unforeseen consequences. What’s at stake right now: control of the House of Representatives.

Check out our teaching resources for this video and watch our webinar. Co-hosted by Retro Report, New American History, and GeoCivics, this webinar features brand new classroom resources for teaching about Redistricting and Gerrymandering in 6th-12th grade classrooms, along with resources for the College/University level.

Related:
Gerrymandering Has Led to Odd Political Alliances by Clyde Haberman