Georgia Constitution Practice Exam

What is a requirement for the apportionment of Senate and House districts?

1. Districts must be of equal population

2. Districts must be composed of contiguous territory

3. Gerrymandering is permitted

4. Reapportionment is only allowed after each election

The correct answer is: Districts must be composed of contiguous territory

The requirement that districts must be composed of contiguous territory is fundamental in ensuring that each legislative district is coherent and compact, promoting effective representation within the state. Contiguous districts mean that all parts of the district are connected, which helps facilitate communication and interaction among constituents. This characteristic aids in upholding the integrity of the electoral process by avoiding irregularly shaped districts that might arise from gerrymandering. While the concept of equal population is also critical for fair representation, the emphasis on contiguity ensures that representatives can more readily engage with their constituents, fostering a sense of community. It is also worth noting that gerrymandering is specifically designed to manipulate district boundaries for partisan gain, which undermines the principle of fair representation. Additionally, reapportionment after each election is not an accurate requirement; rather, it typically occurs at specific intervals, such as every ten years following the census. Thus, the requirement for contiguity is vital in establishing a fair and functional legislative framework.