apportionment

American  

[uh-pawr-shuhn-muhnt, uh-pohr-] / əˈpɔr ʃən mənt, əˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. the act of apportioning.

2. the determination of the number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives according to the proportion of the population of each state to the total population of the U.S.

3. the apportioning of members of any other legislative body.

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apportionment Cultural  

1. The allocation of seats in a legislature or of taxes according to a plan. In the United States Congress, for example, the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives is based on the relative population of each state, whereas the apportionment in the Senate is based on equal representation for every state. (See also gerrymander.)

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Other Word Forms

• nonapportionment noun
• proapportionment adjective

Etymology

Origin of apportionment

First recorded in 1620–30; apportion + -ment

Example Sentences

“The Constitution very clearly says that apportionment is determined by the number of people, not citizens,” he said.

From Salon

Federal law holds that a mid-decade Census can be conducted, but not used for apportionment.

From Salon

She added she worked "really hard" in her job and, in between sending emails or finishing reports, she was taking care of apportionments, attending meetings and filling out forms.

From BBC

Because of a 1960s Supreme Court ruling, the apportionment of state Senate seats is based on population, not geography.

From Los Angeles Times

The building buyout comes on top of national church requirements for exiting congregations to contribute two years of annual apportionments — $200,000 in Oakland’s case — and money for unfunded pension liabilities, Mr. Baker said.

From Washington Times