Please view and take notes on the Patterson on Congress Video: (Also, see pages 130-134)

Then respond to the following two questions:

1. Explain why politicians utilize gerrymandering. Next, give some reasons as to why critics of gerrymandering believe that it is undemocratic tool.
2. Several states have decided to hand the re-districting process over to a non-partisan commission. Do you believe that citizen non-partisan commissions will result in legislative districts that are more democratic, competitive and less partisan?

For further information please read:

• Need for State Non-Partisan Gerrymandering Commissions
• Opinion analysis: A cure for partisan gerrymandering?
• How to fix gerrymandering and stop future shutdowns

Once you have posted your response, the other students’ responses will appear. Please read over the other students’ response and then reply to at least two classmates. In your replies identify something you had not previously been aware of or something which challenges you to think differently.

Your response must be at least 300 words. List all web resources and referenced materials that were used. You must use the APA citation style format in listing references used and in parenthetical citations.

View the Discussion Forum Rubric to understand how you will be evaluated.

If you do not make a top level post you will receive no credit for this assignment.