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GATE 2021 XH2 – Question 16

Reasoning and Comprehension · Analytical and Logical Reasoning: Understanding relationships in statements or short passages and drawing reasonable conclusions and inferences; thinking critically to evaluate or predict an argument, identify the main and supporting arguments and predict outcomes · 2 marks · Multiple choice

Gerrymandering redraws constituencies to favour a party in a system electing one winner per constituency. Districts1–6 favour P and7–9 favour Q. Grouping{1,2,3},{4,5,6},{7,8,9} gives P two seats and Q one; grouping{1,2,7},{3,4,8},{5,6,9} gives P all three. Which statement follows?

  1. Constituency boundaries can sometimes be drawn to favour one party.
  2. Proportional representation is impossible whenever districts are grouped.
  3. Parties should counter gerrymandering by concentrating on districts already favouring them.
  4. District grouping has very little impact on representation.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Constituency boundaries can sometimes be drawn to favour one party.

Explanation

The same underlying district preferences give different seat totals solely because boundaries change. That demonstrates A. The example does not prove proportional representation impossible in every grouping, prescribe a campaign strategy, or show that boundaries have little effect.

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