Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

• A. because of population growth
• B. because they have more land area
• C. because they are larger in size
• D. because of the states population

Answer: (D)

Representatives are allocated based on how many people live in each state, not on how large the state is or how much land it covers. After every census, seats in the House are apportioned among the states roughly in proportion to population, with the total fixed at 435. So states with larger populations get more seats, while smaller-population states get fewer. Population growth can cause a state to gain seats over time, but the fundamental reason is the population size itself.

Representatives are allocated based on how many people live in each state, not on how large the state is or how much land it covers. After every census, seats in the House are apportioned among the states roughly in proportion to population, with the total fixed at 435. So states with larger populations get more seats, while smaller-population states get fewer. Population growth can cause a state to gain seats over time, but the fundamental reason is the population size itself.