Why might some states have more Representatives than others?

The number of Representatives each state has in the House is determined primarily by the state's population. This is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that Representatives be apportioned among the states based on their respective populations as measured by the decennial census. States with larger populations receive more Representatives, reflecting their greater number of constituents. This approach ensures that representation is proportional to the number of people living in each state, providing a more democratic system where larger populations have a voice that is commensurate with their size.

The other factors listed may influence certain aspects of state politics or resources, but they do not determine the number of Representatives. Geographic size, for instance, does not equate to a higher population, and states with larger economies may still have smaller populations than others. Additionally, historical decisions may have shaped the distribution of power in various ways, but they do not alter the fundamental population-based apportionment defined by the Constitution.