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A Theory of Political Districting*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

Richard G. Niemi  and
John Deegan Jr.
Richard G. Niemi
Affiliation:
University of Rochester
John Deegan Jr.
Affiliation:
University of Rochester
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Abstract

Fair districting requires more than compact, contiguous equal-sized districts; namely, sets of districts should also possess certain features. Specifically, they should be neutral (treat all parties alike) and responsive to changes in votes. In order to establish the extent to which these goals can be achieved, we give a precise definition to the concept of neutrality and expand the notion of responsiveness into three characteristics: the range in actual votes over which a districting plan is responsive; the degree of responsiveness in the vicinity of the “normal vote” (i.e., competitiveness); and the constancy of the swing ratio (i.e., the rate at which vote changes yield seat changes) over a range of votes. We show that while all possible values for these features are readily attainable when considered individually, certain combinations of values cannot be achieved. Finally, we identify the nature of the compromises required and the properties that the compromises possess, and show the kinds of trade-offs that result in reasonably fair districting plans.

Type
Research Article
Information
American Political Science Review , Volume 72 , Issue 4 , December 1978 , pp. 1304 - 1323
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 1978

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Footnotes

*

We would like to thank Steven Brams, William Covey, and the anonymous referees for suggestions and criticisms which led to substantial improvements over earlier drafts.

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