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The North Carolina State House of Representatives was created in 1776 to replace
the earlier colonial assembly.
The initial phase of the state house of commons, established in 1776, continued until
1835. The Constitution of 1776 provided that each county would elect two members of
the House of Commons, and seven towns were allowed to elect a single commoner.
North Carolina's Constitution of 1835, taking effect in 1836, adjusted the old system to
make it more representative. Each county was granted one member of the House. An
additional 55 seats were allocated among the counties on the basis of the most recent
census. The system was adjusted from time to time but essentially remained in effect
from 1836 until 1966.
The North Carolina legislature responded to the events of the 1960s by setting in place
a third system. During redistricting, the state is carved into state house districts. For the
first time, a representative might serve in a district that included more than one county.
No counties were split, and the plan included several multi-member districts.
Beginning with the redistricting of 1982, counties have been divided for the creation of
state house districts (although this was specifically forbidden in the state constitution).
NC Constitution, Article II, Sec. 9. Term of office. [Link]
The term of office of Senators and Representatives shall commence on the first day of
January next after their election.
Complete, unofficial returns for the 2006 Election are entered for seats 1-55 & 115-120.
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