Gerrymander

Concept of Gerrymander in the context of Real Property

A short definition of Gerrymander: To divide an area into districts, against the obvious natural divisions, in order to accomplish an unlawful purpose. For example: To divide a school district to keep out certain people for reasons of race or religion; to divide a political voting district as to give power to a political party.

Concept of Gerrymander in the context of Real Property

A short definition of Gerrymander: To divide an area into districts, against the obvious natural divisions, in order to accomplish an unlawful purpose. For example: To divide a school district to keep out certain people for reasons of race or religion; to divide a political voting district as to give power to a political party.

Grammar

This term is a verb.

Etimology of Gerrymander

(You may find gerrymander at the world legal encyclopedia and the etimology of more terms).

1812, “arrange political divisions in disregard of natural boundaries so as to give one party an advantage in elections,” also from 1812 as a noun, American English, from name of Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander. Gerry, governor of Massachusetts, was lampooned when his party redistricted the state in a blatant bid to preserve an Antifederalist majority. One sprawling Essex County district resembled a salamander, and a newspaper editor dubbed it the Gerrymander. Related: Gerrymandered; gerrymandering. [T]he division of this county into districts has given an opportunity for a Caracatura stamped at Boston and freely circulated here called the Gerrymander. The towns as they lie are disposed as parts of a monster whose feet and claws are Salem and Marblehead. It is one of those political tricks which have success as far as they go. [William Bentley, diary, April 2, 1812]

What is Gerrymander?

A definition of gerrymander is: A name given to the process of dividing a state or other territory into the authorized civil or political divisions, but with such a geographical arrangement as to accomplish an ulterior or unlawful purpose, as, for instance, to secure a majority for a given political party in districts where the result would be otherwise if they were divided according to obvious natural lines.[1]

Resources

Notes

1. “Gerrymander” in the White America Dictionary (New York, Los Angeles, London, New Delhy, Hong Kong, 1989)

See Also