52 Democrats fled to Oklahoma in 2003 to prevent a quorum during a contentious redistricting effort in Texas aimed at benefiting Republican interests.
Synopsis
52 Democrats fled to Oklahoma in 2003 to prevent a quorum during a contentious redistricting effort in Texas aimed at benefiting Republican interests.
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Synopsis
California's Proposition 11 aimed to transfer redistricting authority from the state legislature to the Citizens Redistricting Commission. This 2010 documentary by Jeff Reichert details the history of gerrymandering in the United States, focusing on cases like the 2003 Texas redistricting led by Tom DeLay. In response to the lack of legislative votes, 52 Democrats left the state to deny a quorum. The film features interviews with politicians and activists, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Howard Dean, discussing the ethical concerns of electoral district manipulation.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how California's Proposition 11 changed redistricting rules.
- Meet key figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger discussing gerrymandering.
- Find out about the 2003 Texas redistricting battle.
Did You Know
- The term gerrymandering originated in 1812 from Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry.
- In 2003, 52 Texas Democrats fled to Oklahoma to block a redistricting vote.
- Gerrymandering received a 40% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 critic reviews.
- The film has a runtime of 81 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the term gerrymandering?
The term gerrymandering originated from a redrawing of Massachusetts' state Senate election districts in 1812, named after Governor Elbridge Gerry, who signed a bill to benefit himself.
What was the outcome of the 2003 Texas redistricting effort?
In 2003, Texas Republicans, led by Representative Tom DeLay and Governor Rick Perry, successfully redrew Congressional districts after 52 Democrats fled to Oklahoma to prevent a quorum.
What was the average rating of Gerrymandering on Rotten Tomatoes?
Gerrymandering has a score of 40% on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 20 critics, with an average rating of 5.5 out of 10.
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