Why do some states have more representatives than others?

Enhance your civics knowledge for the Indiana Civics Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The reason some states have more representatives than others is directly tied to the population of each state. The United States Congress is composed of the House of Representatives, where the number of representatives from each state is determined by its population as measured in the most recent census. This means that states with larger populations will have more representatives, as representation is allocated proportionally based on the number of people living in that state.

The U.S. Constitution mandates that congressional representation be based on population, which ensures that states with more residents have a greater voice in the legislative process. This population-based allocation aims to reflect the demographic diversity of the country in the governance of federal laws and policies. As populations change over time due to factors like migration, birth rates, and other demographic shifts, the number of representatives can also change after subsequent censuses, further emphasizing the importance of population in determining representation.

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