Instructions
1. For a background to gerrymandering, reference course materials and watch this video that presents an overview on how legislators stay in power as a result of legislative redistricting:
2. Next, go to the Texas Tribune website that shows the new voting maps based on the 2020 Census, and type in your address to view any changes between the 2010 and 2020 voting maps:
https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2021/texas-redistricting-map/
Consider how demographics changes like race, ethnicity, or partisanship influence voting and election outcomes.
Think about political motivations for making these particular changes between the 2010 and 2020 maps.
3. In a concise (250-300 words) post, answer the following questions utilizing course materials, concepts, and the information above:
How will the demographic and geographical changes between your 2010 and 2020 voting district change political outcomes for elections? How does gerrymandering affect you or voters in the district?
How do historical, social, political, economic, and cultural forces in Texas lead to the legislatures and parties use of gerrymandering? Consider Texass political cultures, dominant ideologies, partisanship, and social or demographic changes in this answer.
4. After you have submitted your post, respond to two different peers (classmates) and offer a thoughtful response to what you have read. Each response should be 100-150 words. Use course materials and concepts in your answers, too. Attached are guidelines for good discussion responses for you to follow.
