Enter the population of the district/area, the number of representatives, the total population, and the total number of representatives to calculate the excess representation. This calculator helps to understand the representation balance in a governing body.
Excess Representation Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the excess representation:
ER = R - (P / TP) * TR
Variables:
- ER is the excess representation
- R is the number of representatives for the district/area
- P is the population of the district/area
- TP is the total population
- TR is the total number of representatives
To calculate the excess representation, subtract the expected number of representatives (based on the district's population proportion of the total population) from the actual number of representatives.
What is Excess Representation?
Excess representation occurs when a district or area has more representatives than what would be expected based on its population relative to the total population. This can lead to an imbalance in representation, where some areas have more influence than others. It is a concept often discussed in the context of electoral systems and redistricting.
How to Calculate Excess Representation?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Excess Representation:
- First, determine the population of the district/area (P).
- Next, determine the number of representatives for the district/area (R).
- Then, determine the total population (TP).
- Next, determine the total number of representatives (TR).
- Use the formula ER = R - (P / TP) * TR to calculate the excess representation (ER).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Population of the district/area (P) = 50,000
Number of representatives for the district/area (R) = 4
Total population (TP) = 1,000,000
Total number of representatives (TR) = 100
