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Map Layer Info

     
 
Congressional Districts of the United States

What this map layer shows:

The congressional district boundaries for the 112th Congress (2011-2013).
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Background Information
Sample map
Sample Map
The U.S. Census Bureau is required to take a census of population every ten years, during the year ending with zero. According to the Constitution of the United States, this decennial census has one fundamental purpose: to ensure that number of seats each State has in the U.S. House of Representatives reflects the relative size of the State's population as compared with other States. Currently there are 435 representatives divided among the 50 States. Each of these representatives is elected by the voters of a congressional district, defined as an area established by law for the election of representatives to the U.S. Congress. Each congressional district is to be as equal in population to all other congressional districts in the State as practicable, based on the decennial census counts. The number of congressional districts in each State may change after a decennial census. After the number of seats assigned to the individual States is determined (apportionment), the task of drawing the new congressional districts (redistricting) is generally given to each State legislature. As a result of apportionment, the boundaries of the 113th Session of Congress will change. Congressional district boundaries may be changed more than once during a decade. District boundaries changed in Georgia and Texas between the 109th and 110th Congressional Sessions.

The Congressional Districts of the United States - 112th Congress map layer portrays the congressional district boundaries for the 112th Congress (2011-2013). Descriptive information includes the full name and party affiliation of the congressional representative elected from each district and the congressional district number. Historical congressional district map layers for the 106th through 111th Congresses are also available for download from the National Atlas of the United States®.