What is a common consequence of gerrymandering?

What is a common consequence of gerrymandering?

• A. It reduces voter turnout
• B. It increases competition among parties
• C. It can give one party a disproportionate share of seats
• D. It guarantees proportional representation

Answer: (C)

Gerrymandering is drawing district lines to favor a particular party. By packing supporters into a few districts or spreading them across many districts to dilute their influence, the party in power can win more seats than its overall vote share would suggest. That mismatch—winning a disproportionate number of seats relative to the votes received—is the common consequence. It’s not about guaranteeing proportional representation, and it often reduces competition by creating safe seats; turnout isn’t the defining effect. So the best description is that a party can end up with a disproportionate share of seats.

Gerrymandering is drawing district lines to favor a particular party. By packing supporters into a few districts or spreading them across many districts to dilute their influence, the party in power can win more seats than its overall vote share would suggest. That mismatch—winning a disproportionate number of seats relative to the votes received—is the common consequence. It’s not about guaranteeing proportional representation, and it often reduces competition by creating safe seats; turnout isn’t the defining effect. So the best description is that a party can end up with a disproportionate share of seats.