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why are some districts redrawn after a census?
Districts are re-drawn for two reasons. The first is if population shifts change the number of Congressional representatives for a state. If the population decreases sufficiently enough relative to other states (which may mean its population has grown, but not as rapidly as other states) or if it increases sufficiently compared to other states, then it may lose or gain one or more representatives in Congress. If that happens the state's area is re-divided into the correct number of districts, with an attempt made to keep the populations of the districts fairly even. But re-districting can be done every 10 years following the Federal census, and often (not always) the legislative body within the state has the power to draw district boundaries. Whatever party is in power may choose to re-draw boundaries to make their position better by increasing the number of "safe" districts (or de-stabilizing the district of a strong opponent). "Gerrymandering" has a very long and "distinguished" history.
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Who apportions the legislative districts after the ten-year census?
state legislatures
What is the most likely explanation for a congressional distract to change shape?
Every 10 years a census is done and due to the results the district lines are redrawn by members of the state legislature. Many times they try to shape the new districts to be primarily one political party. This is called gerrymandering which is illegal, but still done.
How often is the number ofcongressional districts per state determined?
Each state has two senators, but the number of congressmen are determined by population based on census figures. For instance, Mississippi had five congressional districts from 1960 to 2000. But one district was abolished when the 2000 census showed that the state had lost population.
How often is the number of congressional districts per state determined?
The number of congressional districts per state is determined every 10 years, after the census.
What does the government take every ten years in order to adjust congressional districts?
The U.S. Census is used to tell which states grew to get representation and which states lost population and therefor lose some representatives
