What is the process called that involves redistributing House members based on the population count from the Census?

Prepare for the AP Government and Politics exam focusing on Elections and Campaigns. Dive into detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Boost your readiness and score!

The process of redistributing House members based on the population count from the Census is known as reapportionment. This occurs every ten years following the decennial census, which counts the population across the United States. The primary goal of reapportionment is to ensure that representation in the House of Representatives reflects changes in population and demographic shifts.

Once the Census data is collected, the total number of House seats is allocated among the states based on their population relative to each other. This means that states may gain or lose seats depending on how their population has changed since the last Census. Reapportionment directly impacts the political landscape, as shifting populations can change the number of representatives a state has, potentially influencing political power at the federal level.

Redistricting, while related, refers to the process of drawing new district boundaries within states after reapportionment has taken place. Gerrymandering is a specific practice within redistricting where boundaries are manipulated to favor one political party. Voting rights enhancement does not pertain to the redistribution of House members; rather, it relates to efforts to improve access to voting. Thus, the correct term for the redistribution of House members following the Census is reapportionment.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy