4-2: Bicameralism and Reapportionment

Overview Bicameral—two houses Not diverse House of Representatives Senate Not diverse Lawyers or businessmen White males prevalent Most elections leave the House and Senate fairly evenly split

Reasons Historical Experience British System Colonial/state legislatures bicameral House of Delegates VA Senate

Reasons Great Compromise House—based on population Senate—each state receives two

Reasons Federalism (involving state governments) House—represents people Senate—represents states Originally appointed by state legislatures Now elected (17th Amendment) Power split between large and small states Slows legislative process

House Size and Apportionment Constitution No size limits Apportioned by population Every state guaranteed one seat Size capped at 435

Reapportionment Definition Occurs every 10 years following census Increases or decreases number of seats held by a state Also affects Electoral College Occurs every 10 years following census

Districts Equal representation (about 730,000) Boundary lines drawn by state legislatures Importance of state majority party

Gerrymandering Definition Consequences Majority party redraws districts to ensure maximum number of seats Consequences Protects incumbents Discourages challengers Strengthens majority party Can increase or decrease minority representation

Limitations on Redistricting Requirements for Districts Equally populated Compact Contiguous Cannot dilute minority voting strength Gerrymandering still allowed for partisan purposes