Question

Write paragraphs on each question:

1) Gerrymandering: partisan, incumbent, and the Citizen’s Redistricting Commission. How affects political behavior.

2) What is judicial review, and what are some (in)famous examples of Supreme Court rulings?

Answer 1

1) The Citizens Redistricting Commission is responsible for determining the boundaries of districts for the State Senate, State Assembly, and Board of Equalization. The Commission's efforts have forced a number of intra-party races unlike in the past when incumbents were so safe that very few Congressional seats changed party control. In partisan gerrymandering, the redistricting is aimed to favor one political party or weaken another. Gerrymandering is contrary to the principle of democratic accountability, as with reduced fear that they may lose office, incumbent politicians have less incentive to represent the interests of their constituents and may look out more for their party's interests than for those of their constituents.

2) In a Judicial review, a court reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action by a public body and decides if it is in keeping with the spirit of the constitution. The idea of separation of powers (in which each branch of government should have a check on the powers of the other branches) was established in the United States by the Supreme Court ruling in Marbury v. Madison.

Subsequently, in the case of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the Court struck down a federal statute and attracted criticism from Lincoln during his first inaugural address. In the Martin v. Hunter's Lessee case, the Supreme Court held that the federal courts have jurisdiction to hear all cases arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States, whether those cases are filed in state or federal courts. The Court issued another decision to the same effect in the context of a criminal case, Cohens v. Virginia. Judicial review is now well established as a cornerstone of constitutional law and the Supreme Court may review decisions of state courts that involve federal law.