Question

When census numbers show changes in a state's total population, what is likely to be affected in the state?

Answer 1

A. Representation in the United States House of Representatives. This is because the amount of representatives a state has is based on their population. So, if a state grows in population or shrinks, they will either get more representatives or less.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is A. When census numbers show changes in a state's total population, representation in the United States House of Representatives is likely to be affected in the state.

Explanation:

The US House of Representatives, along with the Senate, makes up the United States Congress and as such is one of two legislative bodies in the United States. It represents citizens within the Union and constitutes the lower house of the Federal Congress. Its headquarters are in the South Wing of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The number of representatives is proportional to the demographic weight of the state, that is, the states have a number of representatives determined by their total population. In the 2010 census, the average population for the 435 districts was 646,946 inhabitants. Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming only had one statewide district (at-large district) so only elected one representative. California, with 53 districts was the state with the most. Due to the rule of at least one representative per state, this can lead to demographic differences, so the most populous district is that of Montana (entire state) with 905,316 inhabitants, while the least populated that of Wyoming (entire state) with 495,304 inhabitants.

If, from one census to another, the population of a state changes and proportionally affects the percentage of inhabitants of the country living in that state, this change can in turn generate a redistribution of seats in the House, which will lead to some states losing and others winning seats in that chamber. Thus, for example, after the 2010 census Texas won 4 seats in the House, while Ohio and New York lost 2 seats each.