Simulation: New York State Case Study

New York State Change in Population 1990-2000:

The 2000 Census shows that New York State's population did not grow as dramatically as some other states such as California and Texas. As a result, in the reapportionment process, New York State's population entitles the state to 29 representatives to the House of Representatives instead of 31 that it had in 1990. Therefore, two election districts will be eliminated during the redistricting process.

Brainstorming Discussion: Set up class teams of even numbers of students. Have half of the group be Republicans and half be Democrats. Use the resources below to designate your own district lines so that NYS has only 29 districts rather than 31. Remember to keep in mind the criteria set forth in the Issues Summary Chart.

Directions:

Using NYcitizens.org interactive census maps, make recommendations for how the New York State Congressional districts should be redrawn.

Directions for NYCitizens.org interactive census maps:

Click on the map to ZOOM into the county views.

Click on the county map to view statistics about the county.

Print out the blank NYS map to draw in your recommendations.

Issues Brainstorm:

What districts should be combined or divided? Why do you think so?

What issues must you take into account as you redraw the district lines?

How does the demographic information from the maps and tables assist you in making your recommendations?

Resources to Use Online or Print Out: If you wish to work out the districts on paper, print out the following:

• County Population Figures Table
• NY Population Map Below and NY City inset.
• Blank Map of New York State.

Evaluating Your Newly Drawn Districts: Switch your maps with another group and have them judge your districts based on the Issues Summary Chart to see if your group met all of the criteria.