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Congressional Districts of the United States |
What this map layer shows:
The congressional district boundaries for the 112th Congress (2011-2013). |
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Background Information |
Sample Map
The U.S. Census
Bureau is required to take a census of population every ten
years, during the year ending with zero. According to the Constitution
of the United States, this decennial
census has one fundamental purpose: to ensure that number of
seats each State has in the U.S.
House of Representatives reflects the relative size of the
State's population as compared with other States. Currently there
are 435 representatives divided among the 50 States. Each of these
representatives is elected by the voters of a congressional district,
defined as an area established by law for the election of representatives
to the U.S. Congress. Each congressional district is to be as equal
in population to all other congressional districts in the State
as practicable, based on the decennial census counts. The number
of congressional districts in each State may change after a decennial
census. After the number of seats assigned to the individual States
is determined (apportionment), the task of drawing the new congressional
districts (redistricting) is generally given to each State legislature.
As a result of apportionment, the boundaries of the 113th Session of Congress will change.
Congressional district boundaries may be changed more than once
during a decade. District boundaries changed in Georgia and Texas between the 109th and 110th Congressional Sessions.
The Congressional Districts of the United States - 112th Congress map
layer portrays the congressional district boundaries for the 112th Congress
(2011-2013). Descriptive information includes the full name and party affiliation
of the congressional representative elected from each district and the
congressional district number. Historical congressional district map layers for the 106th through 111th Congresses are also available
for download from the National Atlas of the United States®.
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