What may be the first use of the term to describe the redistricting in another state (Maryland) occurred in the Federal Republican (Georgetown, Washington, DC) on October 12, 1812. There are at least 80 known citations of the word from March through December 1812 in American newspapers.

Which party started gerrymandering?

The word was created in reaction to a redrawing of Massachusetts state senate election districts under Governor Elbridge Gerry, later Vice President of the United States. Gerry, who personally disapproved of the practice, signed a bill that redistricted Massachusetts for the benefit of the Democratic-Republican Party.

What did the Supreme Court justices declare in Miller v Johnson 1995 )?

What did the Supreme Court justices declare in Miller v. Johnson (1995)? The racial composition of a district could not be the predominant factor when redistricting.