The end of the county unit system and the adoption of reapportionment had significant consequences for political representation in the United States. Here are some of the consequences:
Greater representation for urban areas: Under the county unit system, rural counties had a disproportionate amount of political power compared to urban areas. Reapportionment, which allocated representation based on population, gave more weight to urban areas and their interests.
More competitive elections: The county unit system allowed for candidates to win elections with a small number of votes if they won the majority of counties, leading to a lack of competition in many elections. Reapportionment encouraged more competitive elections, as candidates needed to appeal to a broader range of voters to win.
Greater diversity in representation: Because reapportionment is based on population, it allowed for greater representation of minority groups who had previously been underrepresented due to the county unit system. This resulted in more diverse legislatures and a more diverse set of political leaders.
Shift in political power: The end of the county unit system and the adoption of reapportionment led to a shift in political power from rural to urban areas. This shift was reflected in changes to political priorities and policies, with more emphasis placed on urban issues such as infrastructure, education, and public transportation.
Overall, the end of the county unit system and the adoption of reapportionment had significant consequences for political representation and the distribution of political power in the United States. It helped to address issues of inequality and underrepresentation, and led to a more diverse and competitive political landscape.