[7] The first meeting of congress was held in 1789, and the first census was taken in 1790.
[8] To prevent the House from becoming too large. But the population of the United States has constantly and rapidly increased, so that the "ratio of representation," as it is called, has been made greater at each census. It now takes 173,901 people to secure a representative. (For ratio in each decade, see pages 312-13.)
[9] So that even the smallest states shall be represented.
Clause 4.—Vacancies.
When vacancies[1] happen in the representation from any state, the executive authority[2] thereof shall issue writs of election[3] to fill such vacancies.[4]
[1] Vacancies usually happen through the death or resignation of the incumbent. But a vacancy may be made by the expulsion of a member or by the election of an ineligible person.
[2] The governor or acting governor.
[3] That is, he orders an election. The order is printed in the newspapers of the district, and specifies the time the election is to be held. At the time specified the electors vote as in regular elections. This is called a "special election."
[4] The person elected serves for the unexpired term.
_Clause 5.—House Powers.