Humanities
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From the Census to Gerrymandering

15 CQ
5 Lessons
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    1. What is the U.S. Census?
    A lesson with Citizen Genius
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    In this lesson, explore the origin and purpose of the United States Census, and gain a clear understanding of its far-reaching impact on the country as a whole.

    What is the U.S. Census?
    with Citizen Genius

    In this lesson, explore the origin and purpose of the United States Census, and gain a clear understanding of its far-reaching impact on the country as a whole.

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    3 CQ
    2. Congressional Apportionment
    A lesson with Citizen Genius
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    Apportionment decides how many seats in the House of Representatives each state gets. With demonstrations and explanations, this process is made easy to grasp.

    Congressional Apportionment
    with Citizen Genius

    Apportionment decides how many seats in the House of Representatives each state gets. With demonstrations and explanations, this process is made easy to grasp.

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    3. Congressional Redistricting
    A lesson with Citizen Genius
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    Each member of the House of Representatives represents a single district. The process by which those districts are created is demonstrated in this lesson.

    Congressional Redistricting
    with Citizen Genius

    Each member of the House of Representatives represents a single district. The process by which those districts are created is demonstrated in this lesson.

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    3 CQ
    4. What is Gerrymandering?
    A lesson with Citizen Genius
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    Gerrymandering gives some politicians an unfair advantage in elections. To understand what gerrymandering is and why it's possible, check out this lesson.

    What is Gerrymandering?
    with Citizen Genius

    Gerrymandering gives some politicians an unfair advantage in elections. To understand what gerrymandering is and why it's possible, check out this lesson.

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    3 CQ
    5. Types of Gerrymandering
    A lesson with Citizen Genius
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    Gerrymandering is a manipulative process used by politicians to give themselves an advantage in elections. To find out how it's done, check out this lesson.

    Types of Gerrymandering
    with Citizen Genius

    Gerrymandering is a manipulative process used by politicians to give themselves an advantage in elections. To find out how it's done, check out this lesson.

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    12 Comments
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    Floyd J
    Opps a question I forgot to ask. Why is the word 'College' used in Electoral College? I searched for the answer to this question online, but unable to find it.
    appreciate appreciated
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    Citizen Genius
    The term "college" doesn't appear in the Constitution, and its use is because it can mean a group of people with a common purpose (although not typically used this way). The electors vote separately for president and vice president - originally they didn't, but the 12th Amendment changed that (I have a video on this topic if you're interested).
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    Floyd J
    Yes I am interested. Thanks
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    Floyd J
    Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. If you don't mind I have a couple more questions. What is the procedure in terms of time, should congress decide to veto the Presidents decision? I guess they have a certain period in which to vote? Do the electors still decide on the VP? I have a feeling they don't? Thank you once again for your time.
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    Citizen Genius
    Good questions. When the president vetoes a bill, it is sent back to Congress. If the leaders think they have the votes to override the veto, they will vote to do so. Otherwise, they will table the bill and most likely nothing will come of it.
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    Floyd J
    Interesting. That Gerry Mandering chap, he's got a lot to answer for!
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    Citizen Genius
    Unfortunately for him, gerrymandering bears his name, but he didn't initiate the practice. And while he signed the redistricting plan into law, the state legislature created the map.
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    Floyd J
    Citizen Genius, I love your inspiring delivery! It makes me get up and go! But seriously folks. Thank you for the series. I have often wondered about the nuts and bolts of the American political system and now, through this series, I have good foundational knowledge. Cheers Citizen Genius!
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    Citizen Genius
    Thanks! I'm glad you're finding the lessons helpful.
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    Floyd J
    CG I have question. I was shamelessly showing off (in an undetectable manner), my new found knowledge in a conversation with an American friend of mine a couple of days ago. I mentioned how I found it interesting that the President was able to veto a Bill that had received at least 50% or more of the vote in favour of it becoming law. My point being that the President has an awful lot of power. He siad yes, but that Congress can also veto the President! I couldn't quite understand this ...
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    Floyd J
    .... and I didn't want to let him know I had exhausted my rich reserves of American political knowledge. What are the circumstances in which Congress are able to veto the President? Obviously I am coming from the view that a bill heads to the oval office after a majority vote. Perhaps he is meaning that the President may wish to introduce a bill for debate which may finally be rejected my Congress?
    appreciate appreciated
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    Citizen Genius
    I think your friend was referring to Congress's ability to override a presidential veto. This means that if a bill is passed by Congress and the president vetoes the bill, Congress can vote to override the veto - a two-thirds majority is needed. If that happens, the bill becomes law over the president's objection. While that can happen, it is rare. Hopefully this bit of info will help you respond to your friend.
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