Miller v. Johnson invalidated Georgia's congressional redistricting after the 1990 census for which reason?

• A. Race was the predominant factor
• B. Population density
• C. Incumbent protection
• D. Partisan affiliation

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that race cannot be the main driver in drawing electoral district boundaries. In Miller v. Johnson, the Supreme Court struck down Georgia’s congressional map after the 1990 census because the lines were drawn primarily to boost the black population in one district. Even though the goal was to comply with the Voting Rights Act, using race as the dominant factor means the plan wasn’t narrowly tailored to a compelling state interest, and thus violated equal protection. The decision reinforces that race can be considered, but it cannot predominate in how districts are shaped.