Quote:
Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor
Yeah, I know, we can't each go whisper in our representative's ear, but perhaps if no one were whispering in their ears, they'd have to actually seek out the facts instead of having a very specific version of it presented on a silver platter.
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From Federalist 56.....James Madison says, "It seems to give the fullest assurance, that a representative for every thirty thousand inhabitants will render the (House of Representatives) both a safe and competent guardian of the interests which will be confided to it."
He also said, in relation to the size of the House, the "Numerous bodies (meaning the number of representatives) are less subject to venality and corruption."
While a little off the subject, I don't think it is necessarily lobbying that is the problem....it is the relatively small number of representatives (each now represents approx. 700,000 citizens) that are being lobbied.
If I recall my history, prior to 1929 the number of congressional disctricts increased after every census. In 1929, the number of districts was fixed by law at 435.