What is the basis of representation for the House of Representatives?

Answer 1

Under Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, seats in the House of Representatives are apportioned among the states on the basis of population, as determined by the census conducted every ten years. Each state, however, is entitled to at least one Representative.

The only constitutional rule relating to the size of the House says "The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand." (see Article I, Section 2) As the population of the United States increased, Congress regularly increased the size of the House after the census to account for growth; but the limit became obsolete when Congress fixed the size of the House at 435 seats in 1911 (see Public Law 62-5). The figure was temporarily increased to 437 in 1959 to reflect the admission of Alaska and Hawaii as states (seating 1 representative from each of those states without changing existing apportionment), but returned to 435 four years later (after seats reapportioned per the 1960 census were voted on in the 1962 election).

Answer 2

House Of Representatives Size

Answer 3

Up until the1900's, each states legislation elected both U.S. Senators. The original concept in the constitution by the forefathers, was the Senate represents the states in the federal government. The House (The U.S. House of Representatives) represents the people. Thus, the people's house. It also creates a system of checks and balances (of power) Both chambers must approve and pass similar bills on any legislation before it is sent to the President to be signed into law. Balance of power is like only the House can impeach the President, only the Senate can put him on trial (after impeachment, which simply means bring charges against). Because people, not the states, pay taxes, all tax legislation must originate in the House (the peoples house) and cannot originate in the Senate.

Answer 4

One elected representative for so many thousands of voters. It is outlined in Article One of the Constitution and is further reinforced by a court ruling called the Baker decision which set forth the rule of "one man, one vote".