Crunching the Numbers
According to the 2010 Census the State of Utah had a population of 2,763,884 and were assigned 4 Congressional Representatives. The average number of constituents in each or our Congressional Districts is 690,971.
The State of Wyoming had a population of 563,626 and has been assigned 1 representative. So, the people in Utah are not being represented the same as everyone else.
The only way to fix the problem of unequal representation is to reduce the size of the Congressional Districts. When all of the districts are equal in size all of the people in all of the states will have an equal voice.
If the number of Representatives from Utah was increased from 4 to 20, you would have one representative for every 139,194 Constituents. If Wyoming had 5 representative instead on just one they would have one representative for every 112,725.
If the number of reps were increased 10 fold, Utah would have one representative for every 69,097 and Wyoming would have one representative for every 56,362 people.
If the number of representatives was increased 15 fold, Utah would have one representative for every 46,064 and Wyoming would have one representative for every 37,575.
As the number of Congressional Representatives increases the margin of inequality in representation for the states is decreased.
Examples below;
Kentucky Population of 4,470,000 1 rep for every 894,000
Oregon Population of 4,195,000 1 rep for every 839,000
Oklahoma Population of 3,940,000 1 rep for every 788,000
Connecticut Population 3,585,000 1 rep for every 717,000
Alabama Population 4,872,000 1 rep for every 696,000
Colorado Population 5,674,000 1 rep for every 810,571
Florida Population 21,300,000 1 rep for every 788,888
New York Population 19,845,000 1 rep for every 735,000
Wyoming Population 565,000 1 rep for every 565,000
Montana Population 1,000,000 1 rep for every 1,000,000
Replies
Keith, I think you posted this, and I think you are a great American. By that I mean I think you work, i.e. contribute and care, i.e. you are patriotic. May the Creator Bless you and yours. I hope to keep learning from this site, but my brain tells me at least three things about this idea of greatly expanding the number of representatives in Washington. 1) such a big group would preclude letting them all voice opinions to the body. i.e. unworkable.
2)we will NEVER get many people interested in this expansion thing.
3)Unequal representation is not even a straw on the camel's back as to the cause of what our REAL problem of unwise governing is in Washington DC.
Am I off base on this? or What is the real intent of this Constitution Club website?
Yours, Respectfully,
Lewis Bishop