The House of Representatives is too small

Vox

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

For over a century, the House of Representatives has remained at 435 seats, even as the U.S. population has tripled. This stagnation means each representative now serves an average of over 750,000 constituents, creating a disconnect between Congress and its constituents. Many Americans feel their voices are unheard in Washington, with scholars pointing to this imbalance as a key factor in the growing sense of alienation from government. Historically, the House was intended to grow alongside the population, but the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929 froze its size. This decision has left the legislative branch far outpaced by demographic growth, leading some experts to argue that the current system undermines democratic representation. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) is now proposing a bill to expand the House, arguing it would align more closely with the vision of the country’s founders. While expanding Congress could reduce the ratio of voters to representatives, making governance more manageable and representative, critics worry about potential gridlock in a larger legislature. Vox explores whether adding seats could bridge the gap between citizens and their elected officials or simply add more voices to an already dysfunctional system. This debate highlights broader questions about the structure of American democracy and its ability to adapt to modern challenges. The proposal to expand the House reflects growing concerns over political representation and the need for a more inclusive, responsive government. As the U.S. population continues to grow, rethinking the size and effectiveness of Congress becomes increasingly essential to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. Ultimately, whether expanding the House will lead to meaningful change or further complicate an already gridlocked system remains to be seen. However, the conversation underscores the importance of ensuring that representatives can effectively serve their constituents and address the needs of a rapidly evolving nation.

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Originally published on Vox on 2/19/2026