One presupposition is never challenged, however: that redistricting is the unavoidable, if not intrinsic, "Responsibility" of the political parties.
Thus, the premise that it is natural for political parties to redraw district lines has predominated any and all debates about gerrymandering.
Should parties possess this responsibility? Why should a party be able to engineer districts to assure predictable electoral results for years to come simply because it is in the majority at the time of redistricting? Wouldn't American society benefit from a more neutral method?
Although the Framers thought the constitutional system required no parties, two parties have permeated government for virtually all of U.S. history.
It is taken as a given that political parties will decide how districts look.
If reapportionment is designed to be apolitical, based simply on population distributions, then why should redistricting be undertaken with a political bent? Surely the technology that is used to manipulate district maps so precisely can be utilized to redraw districts that advantage no party.
The parties may challenge gerrymandered results, but they are loath to give up their own advantages.
https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2018/03/30/why_give_political_parties_the_power_of_redistricting.html
Thus, the premise that it is natural for political parties to redraw district lines has predominated any and all debates about gerrymandering.
Should parties possess this responsibility? Why should a party be able to engineer districts to assure predictable electoral results for years to come simply because it is in the majority at the time of redistricting? Wouldn't American society benefit from a more neutral method?
Although the Framers thought the constitutional system required no parties, two parties have permeated government for virtually all of U.S. history.
It is taken as a given that political parties will decide how districts look.
If reapportionment is designed to be apolitical, based simply on population distributions, then why should redistricting be undertaken with a political bent? Surely the technology that is used to manipulate district maps so precisely can be utilized to redraw districts that advantage no party.
The parties may challenge gerrymandered results, but they are loath to give up their own advantages.
https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2018/03/30/why_give_political_parties_the_power_of_redistricting.html
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