Final answer:
Reapportionment is the adjustment of congressional seats among states post-census, followed by redistricting to ensure equal population distribution. Gerrymandering can corrupt this process by favoring certain groups politically.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reallocation of congressional seats among the states every ten years after the census is known as reapportionment. This process adjusts the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives to reflect population changes.
After reapportionment, states may engage in redistricting, which involves redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts to ensure that each district has approximately the same number of residents.
However, the practice known as gerrymandering can occur when these lines are drawn to favor one political party or group over another, which can affect the voting strength of rival parties or minority groups, potentially contravening the Voting Rights Act requirements.