Should we increase the size of the US House of Representatives?

Question

I think one way to improve the functioning of our democratic society may be to increase the number of U.S. Representatives. Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution says, "The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand".

If we use this as a benchmark for the number of Reps we could have; take 300 million (citizens) and divide by 30,000. We could constitutionally have a U.S. House composed of 10,000 Representatives.

Imagine that many congressional districts in the U.S.! There would be Green districts, hippy districts, gay districts, Nascar districts, science districts, business districts, etc.

True democracy could finally be regained.

Answer 1

I agree, the size of the House of Representatives should be increased.

I'm not convinced that it should be increased to 10,000 members. They'd have to build a whole new wing the Capitol building, not to mention a few more office buildings and related facilities (not to mention find the money for over 9,000 new Congressional salaries and staff.) However, one Rep for every 645,000 is way too few. And I also agree that adding more seats would give better opportunities for third-party candidates to gain representation, which IMHO would benefit the nation by adding new voices and ideas to our legislature.

And perhaps the District of Columbia would finally get a real seat or two in Congress. D.C. not having real representation & floor votes is wrong on so many levels.

Answer 2

Do you honestly think there isn't too much bureaucracy in the house as it is? Would you really want to multiply it 25 fold? I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree that adding Reps is the answer, I think it would just make things worse.

Answer 3

No! Please, anything but that! We're not a democracy, we're a republic. And what makes you think they'd be any different than the people who are in now? The majority of our reps only represent their own private interests and whatever/whoever pays them the most money.

Answer 4

Are you really that stupid? They don't really represent us as it is. It would result in total mayhem, as long as their are reps. that only listen to the people that pay for their election, we will never truly be represented. The two party system is long over due for an overhaul, we might as well return to the class system, so the upper class can proclaim themselves as kings, and lords.

Answer 5

We do after every US Census every ten years, if it is called for in certain parts of the country. Your idea is the most foolish thing i've ever heard. Do you know how much that would cost and how corrupt and how much time that would waste? You really don't know what your talking about.

Answer 6

you are so right !
america is no longer represented properly.
conservatives are attacking the press !
america is headed for a depression like never before if we do not change the thinking in america and reduce government spending on war and social programs that fail !

Answer 7

listen, if you extend your logic why not just have a direct democrays and have billions of self representatives.

I don't favor your suggestion.
The census is enough every ten years or sooo....

Unless your Tom Delay and Texas needs some more republican seats....
the supreme court is taking the country in the wrong direction.......

Answer 8

Who's gonna pay them?

Answer 9

and you think nothing gets done now by the gov't..???


the gov't that rules least rules best...

Answer 10

Our government is big enough.....