Effect Of Presidential Elections: Do We Really Choose?
Elections:
Do We Really Choose?
Outline:
1. Gerrymandering and malapportionment
2. Effect of exit polls on voting patterns
I. Introduction Thomas Jefferson once said: "I could think of no worse example for nations abroad, who for the first time were trying to put free electoral procedures into effect, than that of the United States wrangling over the results of our presidential election, and even suggesting that the presidency itself could be stolen by thievery at the ballot box."
II. Gerrymandering and Malapportionment
The famous Baker v. Carr ruling, “one person one vote”, unfortunately has not come to fruition. Gerrymandering and malapportionment are still as common, if not more common, than in years past. According to David Samuels and Richard Snyder of Cambridge University, the highest levels of malapportionment are found in large, democratic countries with bicameral state legislatures. The United States happens to fit that mold perfectly . …show more content…
The report also found that district lines were drawn in a way that reduces the competition in the state assembly races. According to their report, “Only 25 of the 212 legislative districts (11%) have close enrollments. The populations of the rest favor one party or another by a wide margin.” The control of both of New York’s houses has been quite constant over the last several years. Since 1982, only thirty-four New York state legislature incumbents lost their election. The votes of both republicans in “democratic districts” and democrats in “republican districts” have been made
Do We Really Choose?
Outline:
1. Gerrymandering and malapportionment
2. Effect of exit polls on voting patterns
I. Introduction Thomas Jefferson once said: "I could think of no worse example for nations abroad, who for the first time were trying to put free electoral procedures into effect, than that of the United States wrangling over the results of our presidential election, and even suggesting that the presidency itself could be stolen by thievery at the ballot box."
II. Gerrymandering and Malapportionment
The famous Baker v. Carr ruling, “one person one vote”, unfortunately has not come to fruition. Gerrymandering and malapportionment are still as common, if not more common, than in years past. According to David Samuels and Richard Snyder of Cambridge University, the highest levels of malapportionment are found in large, democratic countries with bicameral state legislatures. The United States happens to fit that mold perfectly . …show more content…
The report also found that district lines were drawn in a way that reduces the competition in the state assembly races. According to their report, “Only 25 of the 212 legislative districts (11%) have close enrollments. The populations of the rest favor one party or another by a wide margin.” The control of both of New York’s houses has been quite constant over the last several years. Since 1982, only thirty-four New York state legislature incumbents lost their election. The votes of both republicans in “democratic districts” and democrats in “republican districts” have been made