House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress. It is often referred to as “the People's House” because its members are directly elected by the citizens and apportioned by population.
Composition
Voting Members
435 Representatives apportioned among the 50 states based on population as determined by the decennial census. Each state is guaranteed at least one Representative.
Non-Voting Delegates
6 non-voting members represent the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Leadership
Speaker of the House
The presiding officer of the House, elected by the members. The Speaker is second in the presidential line of succession (after the Vice President) and is the most powerful member of the House.
Majority Leader
The floor leader of the majority party, responsible for scheduling legislation and maintaining party unity on votes.
Minority Leader
The floor leader of the minority party, responsible for organizing opposition and developing alternative legislative strategies.
Party Whips
The Majority and Minority Whips are responsible for counting votes, ensuring party members attend important votes, and communicating the party's position.
Requirements and Terms
Qualifications
- At least 25 years old
- U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
- Resident of the state represented
Term of Office
2 years, with no limit on the number of terms. All 435 seats are up for election every two years in November of even-numbered years.
Exclusive Powers
The Constitution grants certain powers exclusively to the House of Representatives:
- Revenue Bills: All bills for raising revenue must originate in the House (though the Senate may propose amendments).
- Impeachment: The House has the sole power to impeach federal officials, including the President. A simple majority vote is required.
- Contingent Election: If no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House elects the President with each state delegation receiving one vote.