Part 4/14:
Instead of serving solely as protections, many legislatures and civil rights advocates began using the law as a tool for "racial gerrymandering" — deliberately crafting districts to guarantee minority representation. These districts often wound through cities in bizarre shapes, connecting neighborhoods separated by miles, all based on racial demographics. While they undoubtedly boosted minority political representation, critics argue they also created racial partitions, reinforcing identity over policy.
For decades, Democrats benefited from these practices, gaining an advantage estimated at 20 to 35 additional House seats through the creation of majority-minority districts—a strategic edge they considered vital to maintaining their political influence.