In 1810, big plans were in play, a whole district was changed, and the American vote fixed. “ American politician Elbridge Gerry, Governor of Massachusetts, began the process of redistricting, or repositioning congressional districts based on population. (Gerrymandering)” The intention to contort districts the actions of the Massachusetts Governor created a precedent of manipulating district lines to partisan party advantage till present day. This act became to effect, social, cultural, economic values within the United States.
Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts was a Harvard Graduate whose career spanned over 35 of the most important time in history. “Gerry’s checkered career spanned the entire Revolutionary War era. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. (Foglia)” His career included participation as a delegate to the first Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, a being a congressmen, governor, and vice president. The initial intention of redistricting these populations was to fix a senatorial race. In 1812, a newspaper company known as the Boston Gazette coined the term Gerrymandering and named it such, because the redistricted area…show more content… In the 19th century people gerrymandering was displayed as a bad thing. Present day, in the 21st century gerrymandering is projected to be more common and normal within society. Compared to the 19th century gerrymandering is still used toward partisan advantages, but not solely for wiping out minority vote anymore. Now, It is used to strength minority vote and brings equality to voting districts based on economic disparity and urbanization. Its been used as a tool by the 2008 Barrack Obama coalition to pull out the minority vote in suppressed areas as well as increasing the urban, working, and middle class votes to dominate flip states within the Electoral
