House of Representatives? Hardly. May 21, 2001



The following “Dear Colleague” letter was sent by the office of Rep. Alcee Hastings to other Members of the U.S. House of Representatatives.



Dear Colleague:



In the past 90 years, the U.S. has become the second most underrepresented democracy in the entire world, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, U.S. population has more than tripled, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, four states have joined the Union, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In fact, in the past 90 years, Congress has addressed permanently increasing the size of the House of Representatives only once.

British House of Commons





659 Members



1 Member per 90,288 people



Canadian House of Commons



301 Members



1 Member per 103,924 people



South Africa National Assembly



400 Members



1 Member per 108,553 people

German Bundestag



669 Members



1 Member per 123,752 people

Austrailia House of Representatives



148 Members



1 Member per 129,521 people

Japan Shugi-in



500 Members



1 Member per 253,100 people

Russia State Duma





450 Members



1 Member per 324,447 people

Nigeria House of Representatives



360 Members



1 Member per 342,605 people

Brazil Camara dos Deputados



513 Members



1 Member per 467,190 people

U.S. House of Representatives



435 Members



1 Member per 645,632 people

Indian Lok Sabha



552 Members



1 Member per 1,836,963 people



While the U.S. claims the title “Leader of the Free World,” after India, it is the least representative democracy in the world! If you don’t believe me, just look at how the U.S. House of Representatives compares to other democratic country’s representative bodies:



The effect that an increase in the size of the House of Representatives will have on the American political system is obvious. Increasing the size of the House will result in a reduced amount of campaign spending, smaller Congressional districts, more personal interaction between Members of Congress and their constituents, and most importantly, better representation for the American people.



On February 23, 2001, I introduced H.R. 506, a resolution to create a commission to study the size of the House of Representatives and the method by which representatives are chosen. I invite you to become a cosponsor of this essential piece of legislation aimed at putting the power back into the hands of the people. If you would like to become a cosponsor or have any questions, please contact me or David Goldenberg on my staff at 5-1313.



Sincerely,



Alcee L. Hastings

Member of Congress



May 21, 2001The following “Dear Colleague” letter was sent by the office of Rep. Alcee Hastings to other Members of the U.S. House of Representatatives.Dear Colleague:In the past 90 years, the U.S. has become the second most underrepresented democracy in the entire world, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, U.S. population has more than tripled, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In the past 90 years, four states have joined the Union, but the size of the House of Representatives has remained the same. In fact, in the past 90 years, Congress has addressed permanently increasing the size of the House of Representatives only once.While the U.S. claims the title “Leader of the Free World,” after India, it is the least representative democracy in the world! If you don’t believe me, just look at how the U.S. House of Representatives compares to other democratic country’s representative bodies:The effect that an increase in the size of the House of Representatives will have on the American political system is obvious. Increasing the size of the House will result in a reduced amount of campaign spending, smaller Congressional districts, more personal interaction between Members of Congress and their constituents, and most importantly, better representation for the American people.On February 23, 2001, I introduced H.R. 506, a resolution to create a commission to study the size of the House of Representatives and the method by which representatives are chosen. I invite you to become a cosponsor of this essential piece of legislation aimed at putting the power back into the hands of the people. If you would like to become a cosponsor or have any questions, please contact me or David Goldenberg on my staff at 5-1313.Sincerely,Alcee L. HastingsMember of Congress

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