I have always thought it is Federal overreach when they get involved in the issue of redistricting. Article I, Section 2 does not address the issue about forming congressional districts because the Founders thought it was a State issue only. The 15th and 19th Amendments guarantees every citizen (citizen being the key word) the right to vote, to be enforced by the Congress. Again, how the States establish districts is rightfully not addressed. Pretty clear to me that if there are abuses in forming Congressional districts, they should be addressed by the locals. Not a perfect solution but a Constitutional one.
In addition, I may be too literal and simple since I never understood the wide-ranging (and abusive, IMO) application of the 14th amendment's "equal protection clause." It is almost always a high-profile case that reflects the Court's personal biases and social agendas. Often, it strengthens the Court's power while squelching States' Constitutional rights and usurping Congressional authority and responsibly.
Of course, each party in power attempts to redistrict based upon its perceived power base. However, it always seems the Republican are accused of gerrymandering while the Democrats are simply concerned about fair representation for minority communities. It will be interesting to see how the narratives change should Republicans continue to gain ground with Hispanic and Black voters.
GerryPandering? or GerryPlundering?
I have always thought it is Federal overreach when they get involved in the issue of redistricting. Article I, Section 2 does not address the issue about forming congressional districts because the Founders thought it was a State issue only. The 15th and 19th Amendments guarantees every citizen (citizen being the key word) the right to vote, to be enforced by the Congress. Again, how the States establish districts is rightfully not addressed. Pretty clear to me that if there are abuses in forming Congressional districts, they should be addressed by the locals. Not a perfect solution but a Constitutional one.
In addition, I may be too literal and simple since I never understood the wide-ranging (and abusive, IMO) application of the 14th amendment's "equal protection clause." It is almost always a high-profile case that reflects the Court's personal biases and social agendas. Often, it strengthens the Court's power while squelching States' Constitutional rights and usurping Congressional authority and responsibly.
Of course, each party in power attempts to redistrict based upon its perceived power base. However, it always seems the Republican are accused of gerrymandering while the Democrats are simply concerned about fair representation for minority communities. It will be interesting to see how the narratives change should Republicans continue to gain ground with Hispanic and Black voters.