The number of seats each State is
apportioned in the House of Representatives is
determined by the state's population as a percentage of the total US population, as recorded by the most recent decennial (every ten years) US Census.
The total number of seats in the House of Representatives is fixed at 435. Each state is guaranteed at least one of those Representatives. The remaining 385 seats are redistributed, if necessary, due to state population increases and decreases
. This means some states may gain Representatives while other lose them.
As a result of the 2010 Census, for example:
- Texas gained 4 seats
- Florida gained 2 seats
- Washington gained 1 seat
- Nevada gained 1 seat
- Arizona gained 1 seat
- Utah gained 1 seat
- Georgia gained 1 seat
- South Carolina gained 1 seat
- Ohio lost 2 seats
- New York lost 2 seats
- Iowa lost 1 seat
- Missouri lost 1 seat
- Michigan lost 1 seat
- Illinois lost 1 seat
- Pennsylvania lost 1 seat
- New Jersey lost 1 seat
- Massachusetts lost 1 seat
- Louisiana lost 1 seat
After the total number of Representatives is apportioned, the states evaluate their own population distribution and draw new electoral maps showing the geographic boundaries (Congressional District) each member of the House will represent.
"Redistricting" is supposed to guarantee equal representation for each voter, but sometimes the political party with the most influence in state government makes adjustments to favor that party's interests. This unconstitutional maneuver, called gerrymandering, is designed to increase the party's political power and allow them to advance their agenda with less interference from the opposition.