This book prepares readers for the redistricting of congressional, state legislative , and local collegial bodies. Chapters 2 through 5 cover the major factors that guide the adjustment of district lines to reflect population shifts. These chapters examine requirements for population equality, fair treatment of minorities, other elements such as compactness and respect for political boundaries and partisan considerations. The book concludes with a preview of the post-2010 redistricting.

1 Introduction: Why Redistricting is Important 2 Population Equality: How Equal Must Districts Be? 3 Minorities and Redistricting 4 The Populations are Equal and Minorities Have Not Been Discriminated Against: Now What? 5 Partisan Gerrymandering: All's Fair in Love, War and Redistricting 6 Gerrymandering Georgia: A Case Study 7 Conclusion: Looking to the Future