Redistricting and Racial Gerrymandering Quiz

Questions and Answers

What was the impact of the ruling in Shaw v. Reno on redistricting?

It prohibited any form of redistricting.

It mandated the creation of majority-white districts.

It allowed racial gerrymandering.

It was impactful on redistricting and racial gerrymandering. (correct)

The North Carolina residents who objected to the majority-minority district raised a valid question under the Fourteenth Amendment.

True

What precedent case was referenced in Shaw v. Reno?

United Jewish Organization of Williamsburgh v. Carey

The court sided with ______ in Shaw v. Reno.

Shaw Signup and view all the answers

Match the arguments to the parties in Shaw v. Reno:

Shaw = Redistricting cannot be based on race alone. Reno (North Carolina) = Redistricting on race was legal due to precedent. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sandra Day O'Connor state about redistricting based on race in her opinion?

It is a violation of the 14th amendment and the Voting Rights Act if based on race alone. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Facts

Case centered on redistricting and racial gerrymandering in North Carolina.
New district drawn to encompass majority African American population after demand from the DOJ.
North Carolina created two additional majority-minority districts, one stretching 160 miles.
A group of white voters, led by Ruth Shaw, filed a lawsuit against the redistricting plan.

Issues

Central question was the validity of using race as a primary factor in district drawing under the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause.
Validity of objections by North Carolina residents regarding the majority-minority district was scrutinized.

Constitutional Provisions and Precedent Cases

Precedent case: United Jewish Organization of Williamsburgh v. Carey.
In that case, New York's district redrawing was upheld despite splitting a Jewish community, as it was not explicitly prohibited by the 14th or 15th Amendments.

Arguments

Shaw's argument: Redistricting should not rely solely on race; doing so infringes on the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
North Carolina's defense: Cited the precedent set by the Jewish Organization case, arguing that redistricting based on race was valid to enhance minority representation.

Decision

Supreme Court ruled in favor of Shaw with a narrow 5-4 decision.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor authored the court's opinion, stating race-based redistricting violates the 14th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.
Overturned the previous ruling that allowed race as a basis for redistricting but noted race could be a factor among others in drawing districts.

Description

Test your knowledge on the case of redistricting and racial gerrymandering in North Carolina. Explore the legal issues surrounding the use of race in district drawing, and the implications of the Fourteenth Amendment. This quiz will cover key arguments and precedent cases related to the topic.