Definition

The geographic area a representative is supposed to serve, unless gerrymandering has made that area look like a Rorschach test.

Example Usage

The congressman represents a district that includes urban centers and rural farmland across three counties.

Origin

From Latin 'districtus' (stretched out), referring to a defined geographic area.

Fun Fact

Congressional districts are redrawn every 10 years after the census, creating political earthquakes every decade.

Source: Electoral geography terminology

Related Terms

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pay-go

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Using personal attacks and negative accusations against a political opponent rather than discussing policy.

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gaw

grandparents are watching...