Reapportion: meaning, definitions and examples

📊

Add to dictionary

reapportion

[ˌriːəˈpɔːrʃən ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

allocation of resources

Reapportion refers to the process of redistributing or reallocating something, particularly in terms of legislative seats or electoral districts. This term is often used in the context of politics, where it describes the adjustment of the number of representatives based on changes in population or demographics. The goal of reapportionment is to ensure fair representation in legislative bodies, making sure that each district reflects the current population. It is typically undertaken every ten years following a census in many countries.

Synonyms

reallocate, reassign, redistribute.

Examples of usage

The Senate must reapportion its seats after the census.
After the latest population data, the state will reapportion its districts.
Local governments may need to reapportion resources to meet community needs.
Reapportionment can significantly impact election outcomes.
The commission was tasked with reapportioning the legislative districts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'apportion' meaning 'to share or divide.'
It originated in the English language in the late 19th century as the need for redistribution in governance grew.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin words 'a-' meaning 'to' and 'portiō' meaning 'share or part.'

Political Science

Reapportionment typically occurs after a census, which counts the population to ensure fair representation.
In the United States, congressional seats are reapportioned among states every ten years based on census data.
The process can lead to gerrymandering, where district boundaries are drawn to favor one party over another.

Demographics

Population shifts, such as migration and urbanization, influence how resources are reapportioned.
Reapportionment can reflect changing demographics, making some communities more politically powerful than others.
In some countries, reapportioning can lead to significant policy changes affecting funding and resource allocation.

Economics

The concept of reapportionment isn’t limited to political boundaries; it also applies to redistributing financial resources in organizations.
Reapportionment can occur in budgeting processes to address changing priorities or needs within a government or company.
Effective reapportioning of resources can improve efficiency and ensure that areas in need receive support.

Education

Schools can face reapportionment when adjusting to shifts in student populations, leading to changes in funding and staffing.
Educational resources may be reapportioned based on performance metrics to help struggling schools improve outcomes.
Reapportionment in education can also involve the redistribution of grants and scholarships to promote equity.

Translations

Translations of the word "reapportion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reapportionar

🇮🇳 पुनर्वितरित करना

🇩🇪 neu verteilen

🇮🇩 redistribusi

🇺🇦 перерозподілити

🇵🇱 przyporządkować na nowo

🇯🇵 再配分する

🇫🇷 réattribuer

🇪🇸 reapportionar

🇹🇷 yeniden dağıtmak

🇰🇷 재배분하다

🇸🇦 إعادة توزيع

🇨🇿 přerozdělit

🇸🇰 prerozdeliť

🇨🇳 重新分配

🇸🇮 ponovno razdeliti

🇮🇸 endurheimta

🇰🇿 қайта бөлу

🇬🇪 ახალი გადანაწილება

🇦🇿 yenidən bölgü

🇲🇽 reapportionar