Final answer:
Districts are redrawn to have nearly equal populations, following the one-person-one-vote principle and the Voting Rights Act. Gerrymandering is a concern, but it can be illegal if it discriminates.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addition to the requirement for contiguous boundaries, districts must be drawn to ensure nearly equal populations for equal representation in the House of Representatives. Reapportionment and redistricting occur every ten years after the decennial United States Census. Redistricting ensures that each district has a population that is approximately the same, adhering to the one-person-one-vote principle established by Reynolds v. Sims. This also complies with the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits district lines being drawn in a way that dilutes the voting strength of minorities.
Gerrymandering may occur during this process, with districts being drawn to secure electoral advantages for a particular party. However, such practices are often challenged and can be deemed illegal if done with the intent to discriminate against a specific group or minority. The overarching goal of redistricting is to ensure that representation in the House is reflective of the state's population, providing effective and proportional representation to citizens.