This computer program at the www.redistrictinggame.org allows students to learn about redistricting and gerrymandering associated with the U.S. House of Representatives. This first part is the introduction to it. I have students work in groups and complete the form on the computer together, but this could easily be done individually if you have a 1:1 ratio of computers. It does not work if you are using an ipad as my school district provides students...you need computers.
Mission 1: This is designed to introduce you to the process of Gerrymandering. This is largely a thinking process.
a. Summarize our main goal:
b. What is the political make up of your district at the start of this activity?
Mission 1: Your decision making
c. DESCRIBE how we attempted to make more equal voting districts? What zones did you move, etc?
d. What is the political make up of your district at the end of this activity?
A. Did our plan meet with the approval of the state politicians?
B. Did our plan meet with the approval of the governor? C. Did our plan meet with the approval of the Court System? (checks and balances) D. If we failed in "C", what was the issue? E. How did we resolve this issue? Explain. F. Why is it helpful to have a "compact district"?
Gerrymandering Analysis 1. In 3-4 sentences EXPLAIN the challenges that were present when creating 1 person, 1 vote districts to ensure equality in each district.