In a landmark decision in 1964, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the case of Wesberry v. Sanders that congressional districts within each state must maintain roughly equal populations. This pivotal ruling arose from a lawsuit filed by James Wesberry, a Georgia resident who argued that his congressional district was significantly overpopulated compared to others in the state. Wesberry contended that this discrepancy diluted the voting power of residents in his district, effectively violating the principle of "one person, one vote." The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, agreed with Wesberry’s assertion, emphasizing that the Constitution mandates equal representation that reflects the equal political power of citizens. The Court’s majority opinion, delivered by Justice William O. Douglas, declared that the unequal apportionment of congressional districts infringed upon the rights of voters, compromising the essence of representative democracy. This ruling was built upon the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, and it underscored the importance of fair and effective representation in the legislative process. The decision in Wesberry v. Sanders marked a turning point in the political landscape of the United States, leading to a re-evaluation of state voting districts nationwide. It compelled states to redraw their congressional lines to comply with the principle of equal population distribution, spurring significant changes in electoral demographics and political power dynamics. The ruling has had lasting implications, shaping the manner in which electoral districts are created and maintaining a framework for addressing inequalities in political representation. Overall, the Wesberry decision served to fortify the fundamental democratic notion that every citizen's vote carries equal weight, thereby enhancing the integrity and functionality of the American political system.