What does the term gerrymandering refer to in politics?

The term gerrymandering specifically refers to the practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries in a way that gives an unfair advantage to a particular political party or group. This can involve configuring districts to include or exclude certain demographics based on how they traditionally vote, often leading to distorted electoral outcomes that do not accurately reflect the voters' preferences.

This practice can significantly impact the balance of power in legislative bodies, as it allows the party in control of the redistricting process to create an environment where they can win more seats than they would have under fair representation. Gerrymandering can lead to the entrenchment of political power and reduce competition, ultimately undermining the democratic process by diluting the influence of certain voter groups.

The other options indicate concepts that relate to fair representation and competitive elections, which are fundamentally opposed to gerrymandering. The term itself is inherently tied to manipulation and strategic advantages, making the correct answer clear in this context.