Gov House of Representatives Study Guide

Apportionment

The process of distributing the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states based on population, using data from the national census.

National / Federal Census

A constitutionally required population count conducted every 10 years that determines representation in the House and guides reapportionment and redistricting.

Redistricting

The redrawing of congressional district boundaries within a state after each census to reflect population changes. Controlled by state governments.

Reapportionment

The reallocation of House seats among the states following the census when states gain or lose population.

Unequal Representation

When voters do not have equal influence due to poorly drawn districts, often caused by malapportionment or gerrymandering.

Malapportionment

Districts with unequal populations, resulting in unequal voting power; violates the principle of 'one person, one vote.'

Gerrymandering

The deliberate manipulation of district boundaries to benefit a political party or group.

Partisan Gerrymandering

Drawing districts to give one political party an unfair advantage in elections.

Racial Gerrymandering

Drawing districts primarily based on race; unconstitutional if race is the predominant factor (violates the 14th Amendment).

Minority Voting Dilution

Redistricting practices that weaken the electoral influence of racial or ethnic minority voters.

Packing

Concentrating opposing-party voters into a few districts to reduce their influence elsewhere.

Cracking

Splitting opposing-party voters across many districts to prevent them from forming a majority.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established that legislative apportionment is a justiciable issue and led to the principle of one person, one vote under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing congressional districts unless it meets strict scrutiny.

Strict Scrutiny

The highest level of judicial review: the government must prove a law is narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling interest.

Speaker of the House

Presiding officer of the House, elected by the majority party; controls the legislative agenda, assigns committee chairs, and is third in line for presidential succession.

Majority Leader

Leads the majority party in the House and helps plan and schedule legislative priorities.

Minority Leader

Leads the minority party and coordinates opposition strategy.

Majority Whip / Minority Whip

Party leaders responsible for counting votes, enforcing party discipline, and communicating between leadership and members.

Rules Committee

Controls the flow of legislation by setting debate rules, time limits, and amendment restrictions; known as the 'traffic cop' of the House.

Committee of the Whole

A procedural device that allows the House to debate and amend legislation more efficiently with relaxed rules.

Discharge Petition

A procedure allowing a bill to be brought to the House floor without committee approval if signed by 218 members (a majority).

Initiating Tax / Revenue Bills

All bills that raise revenue must originate in the House ('no taxation without representation').

Charges of Impeachment

The House has the sole power to impeach federal officials, including the president.

Deciding Presidential Elections

If no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College, the House chooses the president (one vote per state).

Constituent Service Work

Assistance provided by representatives to individuals in their district (e.g., Social Security issues, letters of recommendation, government navigation).

Number of House Members

435

Length of a Representative's Term

2 years

Average District Population

~715,000 people

House Elections

Every even-numbered year