Post #2 (3/24/17) Unit of Study: Governmental Institutions 

Racial Gerrymandering Issues within NC

http://www.wral.com/us-supreme-court-to-draw-lines-on-nc-gerrymandering-case/16297884/

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing yet another federal case regarding the unconstitutional gerrymandering, the manipulation of district lines for political party advantage, of North Carolina. There have been multiple complaints accusing North Carolina Republicans of racially gerrymandering during Congressional redistricting. The purpose of the Republicans redrawing these lines is to get a political advantage which is perfectly legal: however, they have taken it a step too far by attempting to hoard the African-American and minority communities into just a couple districts thus leaving the surrounding districts majority Republican/white. In 2010 the districts were redrawn by Republicans but many critics have stepped forward and claimed those districts were based on race to protect incumbents of the Republican party. The legislatures were forced to redraw the districts in February and hold a new congressional primary in June to replace the March primary. These current districts are also being criticized but the Republicans of North Carolina are arguing that they have followed the redistricting rules that have been set at the time and shouldn't be punished for districts that don't follow laws established after the lines. 

The consistent racial gerrymandering in North Carolina proves the point that all types gerrymandering should be made illegal due to the multiple issues it raises. Even gerrymandering based on political affiliation results in unequal representation as either Republicans or Democrats get the advantage in every Congressional election. To really allow the people of the district to be heard and represented an independent, nonpartisan organization should be in control of redistricting that way no minority, political party, or race gets unequally represented. If gerrymandering continues, there should be stricter laws regarding racial redistricting and clearer guidelines on what is considered political gerrymandering and racial gerrymandering. NC's racial gerrymandering issues relates to class because gerrymandering is very prominent deciding factor in congressional elections and the Representatives and Senators elected hold very unique and strong powers that establish laws and keep the government/nation running; therefore, the people want to be represented as much as possible by the most efficient leaders.