Reflecting on Redistricting Activity & Discussion

Reflecting on Redistricting Activity & Discussion

Introduction

In this activity, you will have opportunity to play the role of a legislature attempting to redistrict/gerrymander in order to gain seats for your party. There are two tasks to complete for this activity and a follow up discussion with your peers. If you are unfamiliar with gerrymandering, there is video that is worth a watch. This is optional

What Is Gerrymandering? (Links to an external site.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qDCGTlF0r0

In Task 1, you will have the opportunity to redraw district lines in an attempt to make all the districts equal in size for the state of Jefferson. In Task 2, you will get first hand experience on the complexity of gerrymandering. Hopefully, after completing these two tasks, you will develop a better understanding of both of these real world concepts. Finally, your response to each question below can be submitted below.

Instructions to Complete Task 1 of Activity

Follow the link to the “Redistricting Game” (http://www.redistrictinggame.org/ (Links to an external site.))

After watching the promo, select “Play the Game”.

You will be completing “Mission 1: Fundamentals Basic”. So, select Basic.
Choose a political party. Next, Read the mission.
After attempting to complete or while completing the mission, respond to the questions below:

Did you succeed in drawing the district lines so that the population was equal in the State of Jefferson? Please indicate which of the following people or bodies of government approved your plan: the state legislature, the governor, the state court approved? Why did they approve or disapprove your plan?
After completing this section of the game, what is your impression of redistricting? In other words, does it seem easier or more difficult than you thought? Why?
Instructions to Complete Task 2 Activity

Prior to attempting to complete Task 2, you will probably have to refresh your screen: http://www.redistrictinggame.org/ (Links to an external site.)

This time you are going to select “Mission 2: Partisan Gerrymandering Basic”. So, select Basic.
Choose a political party. Next, Read the mission.
After attempting to complete or completing the mission, respond to the questions below:

Did you succeed in gerrymandering the district lines so that your party gained a seat in State of Jefferson legislature? Please indicate which of the following people or bodies of government approved your plan: the state legislature, the governor, the state court approved? If the governor or one of the bodies of government disapproved your plan, what was the reasoning?
After completing this section of the game, what is your impression of gerrymandering? Do you think it should be legal? Why or why not?