The U.S. House of Representatives has remained at 435 members since 1911, a number established when the population was significantly smaller. At that time, each representative served approximately 200,000 constituents; by 2018, this figure had risen to nearly 750,000. This discrepancy raises concerns about the ability of representatives to effectively engage with their constituents' needs and opinions.

Historically, the framers of the Constitution intended for the House to grow with the population, proposing a baseline of one representative for every 30,000 people. However, after the 1920 census, Congress opted not to increase the number of seats, fearing that a larger House would be less functional. This decision has led to a situation where the representation is not only unequal but also increasingly disconnected from the electorate.

Research indicates that larger districts often result in representatives taking positions that diverge from the majority of their constituents. Additionally, the current cap on House membership leads to significant population disparities among districts, undermining the principle of equal representation. For instance, Montana and Wyoming each have one representative, yet Montana's population is nearly double that of Wyoming's.

The size of the House also influences the Electoral College, as a state's electoral votes correspond to its congressional delegation. This creates an imbalance where states with fewer representatives have diminished influence in presidential elections, further complicating the democratic process.

To address these issues, a proposal has been made to expand the House to 593 members, aligning it more closely with the population and practices of other modern democracies. This expansion could lead to a more competitive political landscape, with a higher percentage of toss-up districts, potentially increasing voter engagement and representation.

While concerns about government size and efficiency are common, evidence suggests that a larger House would not necessarily hinder governance. The financial implications of adding representatives are minimal compared to military expenditures, such as the cost of fighter jets. Moreover, a larger House could enhance representation for historically marginalized groups, fostering a more inclusive legislative environment.

In conclusion, expanding the House of Representatives is a necessary step toward ensuring that American democracy reflects the diversity and size of its population. This change, coupled with electoral reforms like ranked-choice voting, could significantly improve the representational quality of the U.S. government.