reapportionment

(noun)

Reassignment of representation in a legislature, especially of U.S. House of Representative seats, in accord with changes in the census population determination.

Related Terms

Examples of reapportionment in the following topics:

  • Congressional Districts

    • Texas currently has 32 districts, but will be adding 4 due to reapportionment as a result of the 2010 census.

  • The House and the Senate: Differences in Responsibilities and Representation

    • The number was temporarily increased to 437 in 1959 upon the admission of Alaska and Hawaii, seating one representative from each of those states without changing existing apportionment, and returned to 435 four years later, after the reapportionment consequent to the 1960 census.

  • The Power of Incumbency

    • Additionally, shifts in congressional districts due to reapportionment or other longer-term factors may make it more or less likely for an incumbent to win re-election over time.