What does the term "gerrymandering" refer to?

The term "gerrymandering" specifically refers to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political advantage. This practice is often employed to favor one political party over another by strategically drawing district lines in a way that can dilute the voting power of certain groups or enhance the representation of a specific party. By creating irregularly shaped districts or concentrating certain populations into fewer districts, political leaders can influence electoral outcomes, ensuring that their party's candidates have a better chance of winning.

This definition highlights the intention behind gerrymandering: to create an electoral map that benefits one political party at the expense of fair representation for the electorate as a whole. Understanding this term is essential in grasping how electoral systems can be manipulated and the implications such actions have on democratic processes.