Reapportionment: meaning, definitions and examples

🗳️

Add to dictionary

reapportionment

[riːəˈpɔː(r)ʃ(ə)nm(ə)nt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political representation

Reapportionment refers to the process of redistributing the number of representatives in a legislative body, such as the U.S. House of Representatives, based on changes in population. It is typically done every 10 years after the census to ensure fair representation.

Synonyms

reallocation, redistribution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reapportionment	This term is usually used in legal or political contexts, especially relating to the distribution of representation or electoral districts based on population changes. After the census, the government will need to execute a reapportionment of the congressional districts. The court ordered a reapportionment to ensure fair representation.
redistribution	This term is often used in economic and social contexts, involving the redistribution of wealth, resources, or opportunities to achieve fairness or balance. The new policy focuses on the redistribution of land to support small farmers. Social welfare programs aim at income redistribution to reduce poverty.
reallocation	This is typically used in broader contexts where resources, funds, or assets need to be reassigned to different uses or departments. The budget reallocation will provide more funds for education. Due to changes in demand, there will be a reallocation of staff to the new project.

Word

Description / Examples

reapportionment

This term is usually used in legal or political contexts, especially relating to the distribution of representation or electoral districts based on population changes.

After the census, the government will need to execute a reapportionment of the congressional districts.
The court ordered a reapportionment to ensure fair representation.

redistribution

This term is often used in economic and social contexts, involving the redistribution of wealth, resources, or opportunities to achieve fairness or balance.

The new policy focuses on the redistribution of land to support small farmers.
Social welfare programs aim at income redistribution to reduce poverty.

reallocation

This is typically used in broader contexts where resources, funds, or assets need to be reassigned to different uses or departments.

The budget reallocation will provide more funds for education.
Due to changes in demand, there will be a reallocation of staff to the new project.

Examples of usage

The reapportionment of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives is based on population shifts.
After the census, states may gain or lose seats in reapportionment.
Reapportionment can impact the balance of power in a legislative body.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

This concept originated in the United States after the Census in 1790, when lawmakers needed to update voting districts based on population shifts.
The process of reapportionment became formalized in the early 20th century, with specific laws guiding how states should redraw district lines.

Political Implications

Reapportionment can significantly impact political power, as it determines representation in legislative bodies, directly affecting governance.
Districts can be deliberately drawn to advantage one party over another, a practice known as gerrymandering.

Legal Framework

The Supreme Court has ruled on various cases regarding reapportionment, ensuring that districts are drawn fairly and that every vote has equal weight.
In the 1960s, the principle of 'one person, one vote' established the standard for equal representation in electoral districts.

Census Connection

Every ten years, the U.S. Census plays a critical role in determining how congressional seats are reapportioned among the states.
The population data collected during the Census informs decisions that affect how billions in federal funding are allocated.

Global Perspectives

While most commonly associated with the U.S., reapportionment occurs in many countries and can involve not just legislative districts but also the allocation of resources.
Different countries have varying methods for reapportionment, influenced by their political systems and electoral laws.

Translations

Translations of the word "reapportionment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 redistribuição

🇮🇳 पुनर्वितरण

🇩🇪 Umverteilung

🇮🇩 redistribusi

🇺🇦 перерозподіл

🇵🇱 redystrybucja

🇯🇵 再配分

🇫🇷 redistribution

🇪🇸 redistribución

🇹🇷 yeniden dağıtım

🇰🇷 재분배

🇸🇦 إعادة التوزيع

🇨🇿 přerozdělení

🇸🇰 prerozdelenie

🇨🇳 重新分配

🇸🇮 prerazdelitev

🇮🇸 endurúthlutun

🇰🇿 қайта бөлу

🇬🇪 განაწილება

🇦🇿 yenidən bölüşdürmə

🇲🇽 redistribución