Why do some states have more Representatives than others?

Some states have more Representatives than others primarily due to the state's population. The United States Congress is composed of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the House, the number of Representatives allocated to each state is determined by its population as measured by the U.S. Census, which occurs every ten years.

Larger states with higher populations have more Representatives because they have more residents, and thus, a greater need for representation in the federal government to address the diverse interests and concerns of their constituents. For instance, states like California and Texas, with significantly larger populations, are allocated more seats compared to states with smaller populations, such as Wyoming or Vermont. This system is designed to ensure that representation in the House reflects the demographic realities of the nation, aiming for a government that is more responsive to the needs of its citizens.

The other options, such as the size of the state, the state's economy, or the age of the state, do not influence the number of Representatives. The representation is strictly population-based, which is why this is the correct answer.