Reapportionment

Definition

Reapportionment is the redistribution of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives based on changes in population. These changes are recorded by the U.S. Census, which is conducted every 10 years. In the House, federal law requires that there is always a total of 435 seats (with each seat representing one district). As states change population at different rates, the number of those 435 seats each one holds can go up or down—that is reapportionment. After each reapportionment, state legislatures then use redistricting to decide the shape and makeup of each district.

Example

Questions

1. Translate reapportionment into plain English?

2. What is an example of reapportionment?

3. What is the difference between reapportionment and redistricting?

4. Which must happen first: redistricting or reapportionment?

5. How often do we reapportion?

6. What part of the Constitution sets up reapportionment?

7. What would happen if we never reapportioned?

8. What is the relationship between reapportionment and elections?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw reapportionment! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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Further Review

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