how is representation for the states within the two houses of the us congress determined
Two senators are elected from each state. Representatives are elected by the number of people in the state. States with large populations have more representatives than those with small populations.
http://www.house.gov/
The representation for the states within the two houses of the US Congress is determined by a combination of factors outlined in the United States Constitution. The two houses are the Senate and the House of Representatives, and each has its own method of determining representation.
1. House of Representatives: Representation in the House is based on population. The Constitution mandates that the total number of seats is apportioned among the states based on their respective populations. Every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts a national population count, which helps determine the number of seats each state receives. This process is called reapportionment. Following reapportionment, individual states may then redistrict, adjusting the boundaries of their congressional districts to ensure equal population distribution within each district.
2. Senate: Representation in the Senate differs from the House. The Constitution provides that every state, regardless of its population, is entitled to two Senators. Thus, each state has an equal voice in the Senate, regardless of its size or population. This was a compromise struck during the formation of the Constitution to protect the interests of smaller states and promote their equal participation in the legislative process.
To summarize, the House of Representatives operates on a population-based representation system, with seats apportioned among the states based on population and redistricting done within individual states. In contrast, the Senate gives equal representation to each state, with every state having two Senators.