What is a potential consequence of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes?

Gerrymandering involves manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts to favor one political party over another. A significant consequence of this practice is the disproportionate representation of political parties in legislative bodies. When district lines are drawn in such a way, they can create a scenario where one party wins a greater number of seats than its overall share of the popular vote would suggest. For instance, if a party has concentrated its voters into fewer districts, it may win those districts by large margins while losing others by narrow margins, leading to a situation where the overall seat count does not equitably reflect the voters' preferences.

This manipulation can distort the electoral landscape, making it challenging for opposing parties to gain representation and may ultimately contribute to increased polarization within the political system. In contrast, while the other options may be factors of the electoral environment, they do not directly stem from the intent of gerrymandering, which is specifically aimed at securing advantageous outcomes for particular parties rather than promoting independence, voter registration, or bipartisan cooperation.