Slide 2 of 31
Notes:
U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the 1960s clarified the Constitution’s intention to provide equality of representation for all Americans.
These Supreme Court decisions increased the states’ needs for geographically detailed census information in the redistricting process. Redistricting is the redrawing of legislative district boundaries based on population changes. The urgency of the states’ need for these data led Congress to pass Public Law 94-171 in December 1975.
The data provided under the provisions of Public Law 94-171 enable the states to redraw legislative boundaries. The Redistricting data provide data users with a first look at Census 2000 results for their communities as well as the local racial/ethnic demographic makeup.
Optional Notes on details of Redistricting program
PL 94-171 sets up a voluntary program between the Census Bureau and those states that wish to receive population tabulations for election precincts and other state specified geographic areas. Under this 3-phase program, those responsible for the legislative apportionment or redistricting of each state may devise a plan identifying the voting areas for which they want the specific tabulations and submit them to the Census Bureau. 46 states participated in some fashion in Phases 1 and 2 of this program so far.
4 States that did not participate: Florida, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota
NOTE: Puerto Rico was not included in this program
