gerrymander

Meaning

To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favour one party or class.

Origin / Etymology

A blend of 'Gerry' (Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts) and 'salamander', describing the shape of a district drawn in 1812.

Synonyms

manipulate rig redraw distort

Antonyms

apportion fairly balance equalise delimit neutrally

Example Sentence

"Independent commissions are meant to prevent the ruling party from being able to gerrymander constituencies before an election."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Relevant to GS Paper 2 on electoral reforms and the delimitation exercise. Cite it when contrasting India's independent Delimitation Commission with partisan boundary-drawing elsewhere, and in essays on free and fair elections and the integrity of representative democracy.

Relevant Subjects

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