B) every 10 years
Reapportionment follows apportionment and focuses on redistributing the seats among the states based on changes in their population. As population shifts occur over time, some states may gain or lose seats in the House of Representatives. The United States Constitution mandates that this process occurs every 10 years after the census, which is a population count across the nation. The Census Bureau conducts the census, collecting data on the population of each state. Based on the population figures, the total number of seats in the House of Representatives, currently fixed at 435, is divided among the states. This process ensures that each state has a fair and proportional representation in the House.
The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the permanent size of the House at 435 members. As a result, each seat now represents an average of 700,000 people. Reapportionment is important because it increases or decreases both the number of seats a state has in the House of Representatives and the number of electoral votes a state has in the Electoral College. As a state’s representation increases (or decreases), so does its potential influence.
How often does reapportionment occur according to the United States Constitution?
A)every 4 years
B) every 10 years
C)every 2 years
D)every 6 years
1 answer
1 answer