The Distribution of Representation. Background and Distortions of the Assignment of Deputies to the Provinces

Abstract

This article examines the regulation endorsed to apportion seats in the Provinces of Argentina, which has been in force since 1853, and offers a deep analysis of the current distortion of that regulation. The 1994 Constitution of Argentina states that this apportion must be updated after the completion of every census, yet, this regulation has been violated since 1983. Not many people is aware of the importance of the distortion of the law or of the implications of this infringement as a denial of participation. Thus, this article intends to answer to the following questions: what is the source of the current distortion of the apportion law? How many seats should have been apportioned to the Provinces of Argentina in conformity with law, after the last 2010 census? And which would be a fair distribution in view of the actual population?