Why do some states have a larger number of representatives in the House?

The correct answer is based on the principle that representation in the House of Representatives is determined by a state's population. According to the U.S. Constitution, the allocation of seats in the House is conducted every ten years following the census, which counts the population of each state. States with larger populations receive more representatives, reflecting the idea that representation should be proportional to the number of people living in each state. This ensures that the voices of the larger population have adequate representation in the legislative process, allowing for more democratic governance.

The other options refer to aspects that don't directly influence the number of representatives in the House. Historical factors, while they might have played a role in the initial distribution of representatives, no longer affect current allocations. A state's economic status does not dictate its representation; rather, it is strictly population-based. Similarly, the geographical size of a state can impact other political or logistical considerations but does not determine the number of representatives a state holds in the House.