Packing concentrates opposing voters in a small number of districts they win by large margins; cracking divides them among several districts where they remain minorities. Both can produce a seat distribution different from the statewide vote, although geography and electoral concentration can create similar patterns without intentional manipulation.

Legal treatment depends on the basis of the claim. Federal courts have held partisan-gerrymandering claims nonjusticiable under the federal Constitution, while racial gerrymandering remains subject to equal-protection review and state constitutions may regulate partisan line drawing. Do not collapse partisan advantage and race predominance into one doctrine.

A strange shape can be evidence but is not the legal definition. Examine intent, voter placement, traditional districting criteria, and alternatives. A compact map can still pack voters, and an irregular boundary can follow geography or comply with a voting-rights obligation rather than serve a partisan plan.

Video lesson: Gerrymandering: Crash Course Government and Politics #37