Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Some states have more Representatives than other states in the United States House of Representatives due to the principle of proportional representation and the allocation of seats based on population.

The number of Representatives for each state is determined by the process of apportionment, which takes place following the decennial census conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Constitution mandates that seats in the House of Representatives be distributed among the states based on their respective populations.

The total number of seats in the House of Representatives is fixed at 435, as set by a law passed by Congress in 1911. Each state is guaranteed at least one Representative, regardless of its population. The remaining 385 seats are allocated among the states based on population, with the goal of achieving roughly equal representation.

To determine the number of Representatives for each state, a formula called the method of equal proportions is used. This formula takes into account the total population of the country and the population of each state. The state populations are divided by a divisor to determine the initial apportionment, and any remaining seats are allocated using a modified divisor.

As a result, states with larger populations tend to have more Representatives, while states with smaller populations have fewer Representatives. This ensures that representation in the House of Representatives roughly reflects the population distribution across the country.

The purpose of this system is to maintain a balance between states with different population sizes and to ensure that each Representative represents a roughly equal number of constituents. It also seeks to uphold the principle of "one person, one vote" by striving to provide equal representation for individuals across different states, regardless of population size.