Why do some states have more representatives than others?

The reason some states have more representatives than others is primarily based on population. In the United States, the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives is determined by its population as recorded in the decennial census. States with larger populations have more representatives because representation is designed to reflect the number of people living in each state, ensuring that the voices of those constituents are adequately represented in Congress. This system seeks to balance representation so that more populous states have a greater influence in legislative decision-making compared to smaller states.

While geographical size, historical factors, and political influence can play roles in other aspects of governance, they do not directly determine the number of House representatives. Hence, the population-based approach is fundamental to understanding how representation is allocated in the federal legislature.