U.S. Representatives by State

Web Dropin #5

Introduction:

The number of delegates each state has in the House of Representatives is based on the population of that state, i.e., more populous states send more representatives. It is often convenient to be able to compare the number of representatives from each state, to see which states will have the largest influence on decisions made by the House. One way to do this is by looking at a graph.

Activity:

Go to the House of Representatives website, which lists the representatives by state.

1. Figure out the ten states with the most representatives, and thus the most influence. Make a circle graph showing the percent influence carried by each of these ten states. Additionally, include a slice entitled “All Others,” which will denote the percent of representatives from the other territories, not included in the top ten. (Thus, your circle graph should have 11 slices.) If you wish, you may print this page and use the circle below to construct your graph.

*Note: There is a typo on the website and the state of Alabama is listed twice. Ignore the first listing of Alabama that has only one representative in it, since this person is actually from Alaska and is included in the list for Alaska.

2. For a bill to pass the House of Representatives, there must be a B majority vote. If every representative from a state votes the same way, what is the least possible number of states needed to vote in favor of a bill for it to pass? List these states.