Final answer:
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a specific candidate or party. State legislatures have the power to determine district boundaries. Political gerrymandering favors a particular political party, while racial gerrymandering dilutes the votes of racial minorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of legislative district boundaries as a way of favoring a particular candidate or party. The practice is legal and both major parties have used it to their benefit. The power to determine how district boundaries will be drawn lies with the state legislatures or state governments.
Political gerrymandering is when district boundaries are drawn to favor a particular political party. This can be seen in states where a dominant party seeks to maintain its domination by creating 'safe seats' for their party.Racial gerrymandering is when district boundaries are drawn to dilute the votes of racial minorities. This can be challenged under the Voting Rights Act if it appears to violate the rights of minority voters.