What is malapportionment?

Malapportionment refers to the uneven distribution of representatives in a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. This usually occurs when the districts or constituencies within a country have significantly different populations, leading to some areas being overrepresented and others being underrepresented.

Malapportionment can lead to unequal representation and can have a significant impact on political outcomes. For example, a district with a larger population may have less political power compared to a district with a smaller population if they have the same number of representatives.

It can also violate principles of fair representation and equal voting rights, as it can result in some individuals' votes having more weight than others.

Efforts to address malapportionment often involve redistricting or reapportionment, where districts are redrawn to ensure a more equal distribution of representation based on population. This can be a complex and contentious process, as it can involve political considerations and may lead to challenges and disputes.