How is representation determined in the House of Representatives?

In the House of Representatives, representation is determined through a system of proportional representation based on the population of each state. This means that the number of representatives each state has is directly related to its population size. Larger states, which have more residents, receive more representatives, while smaller states have fewer. This method is rooted in the U.S. Constitution and aims to ensure that the interests of more populous states are adequately represented in the legislative process.

The process begins with a census conducted every ten years, which counts the population in each state. After the census, the total number of representatives (which is fixed at 435) is distributed among the states using a method known as apportionment. This ensures that representation in the House reflects the changing demographics of the nation.

This system differs significantly from equal representation, which would allocate the same number of representatives to each state regardless of population, thus ignoring the variance in population sizes. A lottery system is not used in determining representation, as it would be arbitrary and not reflective of actual population counts. The interpretation that representation is not determined at all contradicts the fundamental principles of the House of Representatives as outlined in the Constitution.