Redistrict: meaning, definitions and examples

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redistrict

 

[ˌriːˈdɪstrɪkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political boundaries

To redistrict means to divide or organize an area into new electoral districts or administrative boundaries. This process often occurs after a census and is typically done to ensure that each district has roughly equal population sizes. Redistricting can significantly impact political representation and may affect election outcomes. The process can be contentious, as it often involves political maneuvering and can be seen as a way to favor one group over another.

Synonyms

reallocate, reapportion, redraw.

Examples of usage

  • The state legislature decided to redistrict after the latest census.
  • Activists are lobbying to prevent gerrymandering during the upcoming redistricting process.
  • The city plans to redistrict to better reflect the demographic changes in the community.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 're-' meaning again, and 'district,' which comes from the Latin 'districtus,' meaning to draw apart.
  • 'District' itself was introduced in the English language during the 14th century, originally referring to an area marked for administration.

Political Science

  • Redistricting typically occurs every ten years after the census to reflect changes in population.
  • The process can significantly impact political representation, as it can alter the voting strength of particular groups.
  • Gerrymandering is a controversial form of redistricting where boundaries are manipulated to favor one political party over another.

History

  • In the United States, the first significant redistricting occurred after the 1790 census, leading to the creation of congressional districts.
  • The Voting Rights Act of 1965 aimed to prevent racial discrimination in redistricting, leading to more equitable representation.

Geography

  • Changes in redistricting affect local geography, determining which neighborhoods belong to specific political or administrative areas.
  • Redistricting can also influence resource distribution, such as public schools and emergency services, within communities.

Pop Culture

  • Redistricting and gerrymandering often appear in political thrillers and dramas, serving as a backdrop for plots about justice and fairness.
  • Television shows like 'The West Wing' have featured storylines revolving around the complexities and conflicts of redistricting efforts.

Translations

Translations of the word "redistrict" in other languages:

🇵🇹 redistritar

🇮🇳 पुनर्विभाजित करना

🇩🇪 Neuzuteilung

🇮🇩 redistribusi

🇺🇦 перерозподіл

🇵🇱 redystrybucja

🇯🇵 再区分する

🇫🇷 redistricting

🇪🇸 redistribución

🇹🇷 yeniden bölgelendirme

🇰🇷 재구성하다

🇸🇦 إعادة تقسيم

🇨🇿 přerozdělení

🇸🇰 nové rozdelenie

🇨🇳 重新划分

🇸🇮 novi razdelitvi

🇮🇸 endurskipulagning

🇰🇿 қайта бөлу

🇬🇪 ახალი გაწვდვა

🇦🇿 yenidən bölgüləmə

🇲🇽 redistribución