In the United States, representatives for each state are determined by population size. Every 10 years a census is taken of the nation and states are then allotted representatives based on their population count. The number of U.S. House Representatives from each state cannot exceed 435 in total.
Each state is allocated at least one representative regardless of its population size, while larger states are allocated more representatives in proportion to their population size. After each Census count, state legislatures are responsible for redrawing Congressional district lines to ensure that the number of representatives is distributed appropriately among the population. In addition, some districts may be combined and others split to maintain fair representation across states.
In order to be a representative for a state, the individual must be at least 25 years of age and have been a United States citizen for at least seven years. Furthermore, representatives must also reside in the state they represent during their term in office. Representatives are elected to two-year terms by citizens of their district and serve in Congress until an election is held and another representative is chosen.
The amount of representatives from each state, as well as redrawing district lines, are important to ensure that all citizens of the United States have fair and equal representation in Congress. As a result, these processes must be completed every 10 years after the Census count. It is through this system that representatives for each state are determined.
