How is representation determined in the House of Representatives?

How is representation determined in the House of Representatives?

• A. By population, with seats allocated based on state population.
• B. Each state has an equal number of representatives.
• C. Based on geographic size of the state.
• D. By lottery among states.

Answer: (A)

Representation in the House is determined by population. After each decennial census, the 435 seats are distributed among the states in proportion to their population, so more populous states receive more seats and less populous ones receive fewer. Within each state, the state legislators or a designated cut-and-draw process then create congressional districts with roughly equal populations to ensure that each vote carries similar weight. This approach reflects the principle of one person, one vote, rather than allocating seats by state size or by drawing lots.