The term refers to the creation of electoral districts with significantly varying populations. This disparity results in unequal representation, where citizens in smaller districts have disproportionately more influence compared to those in larger districts. For example, if one district has 10,000 residents and another has 100,000, a vote in the smaller district carries ten times the weight of a vote in the larger district.
The practice undermines the principle of “one person, one vote,” a cornerstone of democratic fairness. Historically, it has been used to advantage certain groups or political parties, often at the expense of urban areas or minority populations. Court cases, particularly those heard by the Supreme Court, have played a crucial role in addressing and mitigating these imbalances, ensuring more equitable representation across diverse populations.
