In redrawing legislative boundaries, which principle states that race cannot be the sole or predominant factor?

In redrawing legislative boundaries, which principle states that race cannot be the sole or predominant factor?

• A. No race considerations allowed in redistricting
• B. Districts must reflect numerical equality only
• C. Race can be a factor but not the predominant factor
• D. No racial gerrymandering; race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is no racial gerrymandering: race cannot be the sole or predominant factor when drawing legislative boundaries. Courts allow race to be considered in some cases to comply with the Voting Rights Act, but it cannot be the main reason for how lines are drawn. This principle protects equal protection by preventing plans that concentrate or dilute voters based on race solely to achieve political advantage. So the statement that captures this balance—no racial gerrymandering and race not as the sole or predominant factor—is the best description.

The idea being tested is no racial gerrymandering: race cannot be the sole or predominant factor when drawing legislative boundaries. Courts allow race to be considered in some cases to comply with the Voting Rights Act, but it cannot be the main reason for how lines are drawn. This principle protects equal protection by preventing plans that concentrate or dilute voters based on race solely to achieve political advantage. So the statement that captures this balance—no racial gerrymandering and race not as the sole or predominant factor—is the best description.