Understanding Congressional Redisticting

Redistricting is a controversial power that is governed by state law. By definition, redistricting is the process by with district lines are drawn within the confines of the mandate number of representatives per state. In order to firmly grasp the process of redistricting, one must understand the general process that occurs, the saliency of the issue, the concept of gerrymandering, and the Supreme Court rulings and political implications associated with redistricting.

Following every census and reapportionment, states are required to redistrict. States are required to enact redistricting legislation. Special procedures like an independent commission and combination of commission and legislative action are often used. State legislature is the most common method of forming districts. Commissions are rarely used in forming districts. Some political scientists argue that commission should be used more frequently thought. Commissions create more politically competitive districts. Commission-based redistricting has other benefits as well. It limits careerism and the influence of money. This has positive effects on the political system. It creates an environment where politicians are held accountable for their actions more.

Redistricting has two major constraints. States must submit plans to redistrict to the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal district court for approval. Districts must be equal in population within a small margin as well. Redistricting must also follow the standards set by the Supreme Court.

It is important to not confuse redistricting with reapportionment. The two are directly related but they are not the same thing. Reapportionment determines the number of members a state has. When a state creates districts, they use these numbers to divide the territory into equal populated, winner take all districts. It reduces the overwhelming incumbency advantage, and gives freshman candidates a chance at introducing a new platform and winning an election.

The saliency of redistricting differs between states. Redistricting isn't an important political tool or issue in states with low populations. Parties and candidates are less likely to receive any political advantage when the state isn't divided into several districts. Several states, like Alaska and Wyoming, only have one district. The Political environment in these states is virtually unaffected by redistricting. The saliency of redistricting is greater in states where the process will have an impact on elections and political outcomes. Redistricting has a bigger significance in large states like Texas and California. The process reaches its controversial peak when states loose a district and have to draw new lines. It can become particularly interesting when redistricting puts two incumbents against each other. When this occurs, voters will have to make the tough decision on who they should keep in office.