We need to add 6k seats to Congress
7 hours ago
- #Congress expansion
- #electoral reform
- #gerrymandering
- The article argues for significantly expanding the U.S. House of Representatives by adding 6,000 seats to combat gerrymandering and improve democratic representation.
- Redistricting battles in 2026 are highlighted as heavily partisan, with both parties drawing maps for electoral gain, undermining fair representation.
- Gerrymandering is framed as a systemic issue worsened by the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, which froze the House at 435 seats despite population growth.
- The Constitution originally envisioned smaller districts; in 1800, each House member represented about 50,000 people, compared to nearly 783,000 today.
- A larger House would create smaller districts, making elections more accessible, reducing campaign costs, improving accountability, and diminishing gerrymandering's impact.
- The author references New Hampshire's state legislature as an example of high representation ratios functioning effectively, suggesting feasibility for Congress.
- Structural reform, rather than expecting politicians to fix a flawed system, is presented as the solution to restore the Founding Fathers' vision of localized representation.