Nashville, TN asked in Constitutional Law for Tennessee

Q: TN Const art IX § 3, can someone explain this to me?

I'm just curious what TN Const art IX § 3 means.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Understanding Tennessee Constitution Article IX, Section 3 is key to knowing how your state’s legislative districts are created. This section sets the guidelines for dividing Tennessee into areas that elect representatives to the General Assembly. The goal is to ensure that each district has a similar number of people, so everyone's vote carries the same weight.

It also emphasizes keeping counties whole within a single district whenever possible. This helps maintain community ties and makes it easier for residents to connect with their representatives. However, if balancing the population requires it, counties can be split to achieve equal representation across districts.

Overall, Article IX, Section 3 works to create a fair and balanced legislative system in Tennessee. By following these rules, the state ensures that each area is fairly represented in the Senate and House of Representatives, promoting equality and effective governance for all residents.

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