Heimlich's History: Shaw v. Reno Case

Overview

• Topic: Shaw v. Reno
• Relevance: A required Supreme Court case in AP Government curriculum

Facts of the Case

• Year: 1990
• Location: North Carolina
• Issue: None of North Carolina’s representatives were Black, despite 20% of the population being Black.
• Action Taken: After the 1990 census, North Carolina created one majority Black district.
• Justice Department's Role: Suggested North Carolina could create a second majority Black district.
• Result: The second district was created with a highly irregular shape, an example of racial gerrymandering.

Gerrymandering Explained

• Definition: Drawing districts to favor one group over another.
  • Partisan Gerrymandering: Favoring one political party.
  • Racial Gerrymandering: Favoring one racial group.

Constitutional Principle at Stake

• Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment
  • Shaw's Argument: Equal protection was violated as districts were drawn with race in mind.
  • Reno's Argument: Districts aimed to help Black residents, who faced historical discrimination, thus not violating equal protection.

Court's Decision

• Outcome: Ruled against Reno and the Justice Department.
  • Reasoning: Districts drawn solely based on race are unconstitutional.
  • Rationale: Sets a dangerous precedent; majority races could misuse this practice.

Significance

• Precedent: Established guidelines against racial gerrymandering.
• Current Relevance: Continues to be a basis for challenges against race-based districting.

Further Learning

• Additional Resources: Videos and review packets available for deeper understanding and exam preparation.