What is "gerrymandering"?

Gerrymandering refers specifically to the manipulation of electoral district boundaries with the intention of benefitting a particular political party or group. This practice can distort the electoral process by creating districts that favor one party over another, often leading to unequal representation in government. The term originated from a combination of the name "Elbridge Gerry" and "salamander," referring to a district shape that resembled a salamander designed to favor Gerry's party.

The other choices present concepts that do not accurately describe gerrymandering. The normalization of electoral processes refers to ensuring elections are fair and standardized, which contrasts with the manipulative nature of gerrymandering. The practice of holding recall elections addresses a different aspect of electoral politics, focusing on removing elected officials rather than manipulating district lines. Establishing new voting districts with each election could imply an absence of stability and consistent representation, which also differs from the targeted manipulation characteristic of gerrymandering.