South Dakota Constitution Article 19 - Congressional and Legislative Apportionment.
South Dakota Constitution – Article XIX: Congressional and Legislative Apportionment
Overview:
Article XIX of the South Dakota Constitution deals with apportionment, which refers to how the state’s congressional and legislative districts are drawn. The article ensures fair and regular redistricting based on population changes.
Key Points of Article XIX:
This article primarily includes the following core provision:
Section 1 – Legislative Redistricting After Census
"The Legislature shall redistrict the state into legislative districts in accordance with the Constitution of the state and the Constitution of the United States following each federal decennial census."
Explanation:
After every 10-year U.S. Census, the South Dakota Legislature is required to redraw legislative district boundaries.
The purpose is to reflect population shifts and maintain equal representation ("one person, one vote").
Redistricting must conform to both state and federal constitutional requirements, including equal protection under the law.
Key Features:
Applies to state legislative districts, not directly to U.S. Congressional districts (though those are also redrawn based on census data, typically by legislative action).
There is no independent redistricting commission specified — the Legislature retains control of the redistricting process.
It ensures periodic review and adjustment of districts to prevent outdated or unfair representation.
Purpose and Importance:
Guarantees representation stays proportional to population.
Prevents malapportionment (where some districts have far more people than others).
Reinforces democratic principles and compliance with federal redistricting laws (including the Voting Rights Act).
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