Gerrymandering: Voting by Numbers
Overview
Students learn about the application of ratios and proportions to the real political issue of gerrymandering. In Part I, students conduct a primary-source analysis of the original 1812 political cartoon about Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting in Massachusetts to build background knowledge. In Part II, students analyze a historical map of Massachusetts’s gerrymandered voting districts in 1812 and compare it to the political cartoon to discuss issues of fairness. In Part III, students solve a hypothetical problem about fair representation on a student council, using their knowledge and understanding of gerrymandering and ratios. Finally, students role-play state legislators in a hypothetical state to solve problems of representation, including gerrymandering.
Related Resources
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Gerrymandering Explained
Washington Post video (YouTube) -
Gerrymandering: The Origin Story
Timeless Stories from the Library -
Elbridge Gerry and the Monstrous Gerrymander
In Custodia Legis blog -
What’s Stronger Than a Blue Wave? Gerrymandered Districts
New York Times NOV. 29, 2018 -
More Math Resources
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Electoral College: Are All Votes Equal?
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The Impact of Voting
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Selma & Voting Rights: Standing Up for Equality
Middle school lesson plan
Grade
Middle School
Subjects
Civics, Math
Length
minutes
Topics
Elbridge Gerry, equality, gerrymandering, problems, proportions, ratios, redistricting, representation, role play, solutions, voting, voting districts