Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Racial Gerrymandering Case
Ask students: Who are the individuals and groups involved in the gerrymandering case? Why is racial gerrymandering hard to prove?
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a key racial gerrymandering case out of South Carolina. The state redrew its congressional map and moved thousands of Black voters out of a competitive district, making it reliably Republican and diluting the Black vote. The outcome could determine the balance of power in Congress. Geoff Bennett discussed more with NewsHour Supreme Court analyst Marcia Coyle.
For a transcript to read alongside as you watch the video, click here.
Key Terms and Context
- gerrymandering: practice of drawing congressional district lines to benefit one political party over another is known as gerrymandering and dates back to the 19th century.
- partisanship: prejudice in favor of a particular cause; bias.
From the Associated Press:
- "The Republican-led legislature’s 2022 redistricting moved 30,000 Black residents of Charleston out of Mace’s district. The state argued that partisan politics, not race, and a population boom in coastal areas explain the congressional map."
- “'The General Assembly had no reason to and did not use a racial target. It used political data to pursue its political goals,' lawyer John Gore told the court on behalf of the state."
- "But the lower court concluded that the state used race as a proxy for partisan affiliation in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment."
Discussion Questions
- Who are the individuals and groups involved in the gerrymandering case?
- What is the difference between racial gerrymandering and partisan gerrymandering?
- Why is racial gerrymandering hard to prove?
- Where is South Carolina's 1st congressional district? (see map)
- When did the Supreme Court hear the case?
- How might Black residents in districts one and six be affected by the current way the lines are drawn?
Focus Questions
The Supreme Court is likely to lean in the direction of supporting South Carolina's newly drawn congressional districts. What could this mean for Black residents in districts one and six? What about democracy, in general?
How does gerrymandering affect democracy? Why does our country allow state lawmakers to draw the congressional districts?
Media literacy: How and where can you find more information about what gerrymandering is? What about the equal protection clause under the Fourteenth Amendment?
Extension Activity
Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — how did Dred Scott's legal battle contribute to the national conversation about citizenship?
Also, check out this lesson which discusses how racism continues to affect America.
The Supreme Court: Balancing the Branches Lesson Plans
Explore free, classroom-ready lessons on the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and the balance of power among the three branches. From landmark cases to today's biggest civic debates, Share My Lesson helps students build the background knowledge and critical-thinking skills to understand how government really works.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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