How does gerrymandering impact democracy?

Gerrymandering significantly impacts democracy by manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party over others. This practice typically involves the drawing of district lines in such a way that it concentrates or dilutes the voting power of particular demographic groups. By creating districts that are heavily skewed toward one party, gerrymandering can distort the electoral process and undermine the principle of fair representation.

The primary effect of gerrymandering is that it can lead to a lack of competitive elections, as the party in power can secure a greater number of seats than their actual share of the vote would allow in a fair system. This manipulation can diminish voter choice and satisfaction, contribute to greater polarization in politics, and ultimately weaken the democratic process because it diminishes accountability. When constituents are aware that their votes are unlikely to make a difference in a heavily gerrymandered district, voter turnout can decrease, further exacerbating the issue.

The other options do not accurately describe the effects of gerrymandering. It does not ensure equal representation or strengthen the judiciary; in fact, it often leads to legal challenges and conflicts over district maps. Additionally, while collective action among citizens is crucial for democracy, gerrymandering can create divisions that hinder this very effort.