ABSTRACT
The state of Michigan presents a classic example of the effects of in dustrialization and urbanization on the pattern of legislative apportion ment. Al l the usual elements of the drama are present-a single dominant urban area; the Democratic Party, with strength based in that area, cap turing state-wide offices; Republicans maintaining control of the Legisla ture; and the leaders of each party blaming the other for governmental stalemate. There have even been constitutional provisions to divert state sales taxes collected largely in the cities to the support of government in rural areas. Yet there are factors to complicate the classic picture, for the least-populous counties (in Michigan's chronically depressed upper pen insula) are Democratic in their political allegiance, are generally the most overrepresented, and have been reluctant to join their city col leagues in the call for reapportionment. Furthermore, the most underrepresented districts are the burgeoning suburbs around Detroit, areas of potential Republican strength.
