Essay Problem: Political Science
Among the important but often overlooked aspects of American politics, partisan redistricting of seats for the US House of Representatives sure stands out. Your essay should address the following issues around partisan redistricting. First, explain the process, i.e. why House seats get reapportioned and how partisan redistricting is done. Then spend the rest (most) of your answer explaining the effects partisan redistricting, or "gerrymandering." In particular, how does strengthen the position of incumbents, create discrepancies between the "generic" or overall House vote and the seats won by the Democrats and Republicans, upends the democratic relationship between voters and representatives, and has contributed to growing ideological polarization in Congress.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.