Bushmanders and Bullwinkles : How Politicians Manipulate Electronic Maps and Census Data to Win Elections / Mark Monmonier.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Monmonier, Mark, Author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gerrymandering--United States.

Gerrymandering.

Apportionment (Election law)--United States.

Apportionment (Election law).

Election districts--United States.

Election districts.

Cartography--Political aspects--United States.

Cartography.

Geographic information systems--Political aspects--United States.

Geographic information systems.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (221 pages) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, [2001]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

For years Mark Monmonier, "a prose stylist of no mean ability or charm" according to the Washington Post, has delighted readers with his insightful understanding of cartography as an art and technology that is both deceptive and revealing. Now he turns his focus to the story of political cartography and the redrawing of congressional districts. His title Bushmanders and Bullwinkles combines gerrymander with the surname of the president who actively tolerated racial gerrymandering and draws attention to the ridiculously shaped congressional districts that evoke the antlers of the moose who shared the cartoon spotlight with Rocky the Flying Squirrel. Written from the perspective of a cartographer rather than a political scientist, Bushmanders and Bullwinkles examines the political tales maps tell when votes and power are at stake. Monmonier shows how redistricting committees carve out favorable election districts for themselves and their allies; how disgruntled politicians use shape to challenge alleged racial gerrymanders; and how geographic information systems can make reapportionment a controversial process with outrageous products. He also explores controversies over the proper roles of natural boundaries, media maps, census enumeration, and ethnic identity. Raising important questions about Supreme Court decisions in regulating redistricting, Monmonier asks if the focus on form rather than function may be little more than a distraction from larger issues like election reform. Characterized by the same wit and clarity as Monmonier's previous books, Bushmanders and Bullwinkles is essential background for understanding what might prove the most contentious political debate of the new decade.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

PREFACE

1. Twist and Clout

2. Gerry's Legacy

3. Thin Majorities

4. Redrawing the Lines

5. Gauging Compactness

6. Props and Propaganda

7. Immunizing Incumbents

8. What a Friend We Have in GIS

9. A Tale of Two Censuses

10. Beyond Boundaries

11. Epilogue

Notes

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 24. Apr 2020)

ISBN:

9780226159409

022615940X

OCLC:

1015240630