We the People The History and Future of Partisan Gerrymandering in America
Aug 28, 2025
Join Bradley Smith, former Federal Election Commission member, and Nicholas Stephanopoulos, a leading scholar in election law, as they dive into the murky waters of partisan gerrymandering. They unravel its historical roots, from Gilded Age tactics to today's contentious redistricting in states like Texas and California. Explore the tension between fair representation and partisan advantage, and hear compelling arguments for independent redistricting commissions. The duo also examines how gerrymandering fuels political polarization and challenges the democratic process.
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Return Of Mid‑Decade Redistricting
- Mid-decade re-redistricting is reemerging after a century-long norm of once-per-decade maps.
- Parties now pursue ad hoc redrawing to gain seats when national control is narrowly divided.
Gerrymandering's Disproportionate Power
- Gerrymandering can massively misalign representation and policy by flipping many seats.
- Its power exceeds most other election laws in shaping legislative majorities and policy outcomes.
The Real Story Of Elbridge Gerry
- Elbridge Gerry signed the redistricting bill that spawned the term 'gerrymander' though he didn't write it.
- Gerry was a Founding Father who also refused to sign the Constitution and helped shape the Bill of Rights.
