Advantage Quote by Jeffrey Toobin
“Even in Madison's day, the practice of gerrymandering for partisan advantage was familiar. In the late seventeen-eighties, there were claims that Patrick Henry had tried to gerrymander Madison himself out of the First Congress. The term was coined during Madison's Presidency, to mock Elbridge Gerry, the governor of Massachusetts, who in 1811 approved an election district that was said to look like a salamander.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fight for the Soul of the Supreme Court, Jeffrey Toobin, 2020
Gerrymandering began in early U.S. politics, named after Elbridge Gerry’s oddly shaped district, and has long been used for partisan gain.
In simple terms: Gerrymandering is a historic, partisan redistricting tactic.
Key Takeaway
Advocate fair districting and electoral reforms.
Themes
politics
fairness
representation
history
strategy
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
historical
analytical
When to use this quote
- local elections
- state legislatures
- court challenges
- campaign planning
Key Concepts
democracy
electoral law
partisan tactics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards can prevent partisan redistricting?
- How does gerrymandering affect voter trust?
A Different Perspective
Modern technology makes gerrymandering more precise, complicating reform efforts.
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