4-10-2014
Redistricting
What is the best way to go about redistricting in representative districts in the states? Frist and foremost this is a question that is hard to answer as any system that is run by politics must deal with the human factor. However, redistricting is part of the political process in this country that must be carried out. In this essay I will look at the ultimate goals of redistricting, who should draw the lines, and why the question of the best answer is one that is impossible.
The ultimate goal of redistricting like most other concepts in American politics is to keep everything fair. In that it is to redraw the lines of congressional districts so that there is as close to equal groups of minorities to hopefully ensure that minority groups will be properly represented in the government. This is a complicated issue however cause as we have seen in class and in our readings minorities are still largely underrepresented regardless of how well you can look at a state’s districts and see the evenly dispersed minority groups. The simulation that we worked on in class did show that regardless of how realistically our groups chose to draw the new districts (not using the reform model) these lines are not exactly drawn with the people in mind or with their best interest at heart.
That brings me to the next point, who should draw the lines? Again this is a question like what is the best form of redistricting is a question that can only be answered in the hypothetical. First regardless of who should be responsible for this is irrelevant because it has already been put in to the hands of the legislatures of each state. Allowing their say in the matter all but assures the lines will be drawn in the best interest of the people running for office and not the people at large. This would seem to be a very cynical way of looking at the question, but the key drive for a politician is to remain in office or to seek higher office. Having that in mind...