• Decennial – Every 10 years.
• Conducted by the Census Bureau, an agency of the
Federal Government under the supervision of the
Department of Commerce.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise is technically still in effect.

• After the census data has been reported Congress uses a mathematical formula to determine the number of
Representatives each state needs.
• This means that some states will lose seats in the House while others will gain seats.
• Keep in mind this also impacts the Electoral College as the number of electors each state has is equal to the total representation a state has in Congress.

• The actual drawing of district lines is handled by the individual state legislatures.
• Typically this is done in the following manner…
1. A committee is formed in the legislative body that reflects the make-up of the body.
2. That committee draws the district lines and presents the finished product to the legislative body for approval.
3. If approved by the legislative body the Governor then signs or vetoes the bill.
4. If any interested parties want to challenge the plan in court they can. Courts have the power to rule for or against the plan.

1. Districts must be equally populated (within reason). This is the result of the “one person, one vote” ruling in
Wesberry v. Sanders (1964).
2. District lines must be contiguous (unbroken).
3. Districts must be compact.
4. District lines cannot be drawn based solely on race. Race can be one of a variety of factors considered. (Lines cannot be drawn to either weaken minority voting strength or to create a “majority-minority” district.)