Why do some states have more U.S. Representatives than others?

The number of U.S. Representatives allocated to each state is based on the state's population, as determined by the decennial census. The U.S. Constitution mandates that representation in the House of Representatives be proportional to the population of each state. This means that states with larger populations have more representatives to ensure that the voices of their citizens are adequately represented in Congress.

For instance, a state like California, with a significant population, will have more representatives than a less populated state like Wyoming. This system is designed to provide a balance where representation in the federal legislature reflects the distribution of the nation’s populace.

The other options, while they may have some relevance in broader discussions about representation or state characteristics, do not directly influence the number of representatives. Thus, population remains the primary determining factor for the distribution of U.S. Representatives among the states.