1. 4-2: Bicameralism and Reapportionment

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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