Description
Book SynopsisThis book tests the effectiveness of political control and neutral rules on limiting partisan gerrymandering in state legislative redistricting. Specifically, the book examines the 2000 redistricting process in eight states_Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Trade ReviewThis book fills a substantial hole in the redistricting literature. First, Winburn analyzes state legislative redistricting, an understudied arena. Second, not only do we find a detailed account of redistricting-across a variety of states with different rules, political contexts, and partisan objectives-but we are exposed to perhaps the most political process from beginning to end, starting with intentions and concluding with electoral consequences. It is an often stated refrain that rules matter and this work demonstrates convincingly that state-imposed constraints generally limit the excesses of those who would manipulate maps for partisan gain. -- Seth C. McKee, University of South Florida at St. Petersburg
Jonathan Winburn has crafted an accessible and important book about a complex and controversial topic—redistricting as it is practiced in the United States. The Realities of Redistricting convincingly uses well-crafted case studies and sophisticated analysis to illuminate the lessons of the most-recent remap. Winburn directs us to important questions about the legal and political environment that governs redistricting, and discusses the prospects and consequences for reform of a system that has become needlessly reliant on the judiciary to fix its failings. -- Ronald K. Gaddie, professor of political science, University of Oklahoma
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Table of Contents Chapter 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 1 Introduction: Redistricting and Democratic Concerns Chapter 4 2 An Incentive and Constraint Approach to Understanding Redistricting Chapter 5 3 Unified Legislative Control: Georgia and Michigan Chapter 6 4 Divided Legislative Control: Indiana and Kentucky Chapter 7 5 Partisan Commission Control: Texas and Ohio Chapter 8 6 Bipartisan Commission Control: Washington and Idaho Chapter 9 7 Conclusion: Making the Case for Redistricting Reform Chapter 10 Appendix 1: Measuring Gerrymandering Chapter 11 Appendix 2: Political Subdivisions and Split Counties Chapter 12 Appendix 3: Election Day Outcomes Chapter 13 Bibliography
