Question

Does gerrymandering lead to increased polarization?

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes.

Explanation:

Gerrymandering is the term used for the act of negotiating the layout of each district (the territory it will encompass) for the benefit of a specific politician or party.  The word comes from the name of the American politician Elbridge Gerry, who in the 1800s redesigned the Massachusetts constituencies to benefit his allies. One of the districts was so absurdly shaped that it was shaped like a salamander and so the second part of the word was forged: gerryMANDERing.  Gerrymandering occurs when the government interferes with district design to benefit vulnerable groups (as if it were an affirmative policy).

This political practice can cause polarization because groups not favored by gerrymandering will act contrary and raise issues that contradict the need to appeal to this practice. These questions will create a controversial scenario that will result in polarization.

It is correct to say that gerrymandering causes polarization, but it would be incorrect to say that this would be the only way to water polarization in the country.