What is reapportionment?

Reapportionment refers to the process of redistributing the seats in the United States House of Representatives among the states based on changes in population. This occurs every ten years after the decennial census, which counts the population of each state. As populations shift, some states may gain representatives while others may lose them, ensuring that each representative corresponds to approximately the same number of constituents. This process is essential for maintaining equitable representation in legislative bodies, reflecting demographic changes over time.

The term is distinct from related concepts such as redistricting, which involves redrawing the geographic boundaries of electoral districts, or other political processes like the electoral system for the presidency or the removal of senators. Understanding reapportionment is crucial for comprehending how demographic changes influence political power and representation in the United States.