Omar Bennett
The House of Representatives, commonly referred to as the lower house, is one of two bodies that make up Congress, the other being the Senate, or upper house. The House of Representatives represents citizens based on district populations, while the Senate represents citizens on an equal state basis. The House of Representatives has the power to impeach federal officials for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The House of Representatives is composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states, with a minimum of one representative per state. To be elected to the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for seven years or more, and a resident of the state they represent.
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What You'll Learn
House composition and election rules
The composition of the House of Representatives is based on the population of each state, with each state having at least one representative. The Constitution states that the number of representatives should not exceed one for every thirty thousand people. The House of Representatives currently has 435 voting members, with a temporary increase to 437 when Alaska and Hawaii were admitted in 1959. The Constitution does not provide for the representation of the District of Columbia or US territories, but they are represented by delegates who have the same powers as other members, except they cannot vote on final passage of legislation.
The House of Representatives is commonly referred to as the lower house, while the Senate is referred to as the upper house, although the US Constitution does not use this terminology. The House of Representatives is led by the speaker, who is chosen by the House itself, and includes other officers such as majority and minority leaders, assistant leaders, and whips. The House has the sole power of impeachment and can pass bills, which then require approval by the Senate to become law.
To be elected to the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent. Members of the House are chosen every two years by the people of the states, and they serve two-year terms. The qualifications for electors of representatives are the same as those for electors of the most numerous branch of the state legislature.
The Constitution outlines the rules for holding elections for representatives, with each state's legislature prescribing the times, places, and manner of holding elections. Congress can alter these regulations, except for the places of choosing senators. Each house of Congress is the judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of its members, and a majority constitutes a quorum to do business.
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House representation and population
The United States Constitution outlines the structure of Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives, commonly referred to as the lower house, is designed to represent citizens based on district populations. This means that each state is represented in the House according to its population, with a minimum of one representative per state.
The Constitution, in Article I, Section 2, provides for both the minimum and maximum sizes of the House of Representatives. The maximum number of representatives is set at one for every thirty thousand people, ensuring proportional representation. The Constitution also outlines the qualifications for representatives, including a minimum age of 25 years, seven years of US citizenship, and residency in the state they represent.
The House of Representatives plays a crucial role in the legislative process, as both the House and the Senate must approve a bill for it to become a law. The House also has the sole power of impeachment, further highlighting its importance in the political system.
The size of the House has been adjusted over time to account for population growth. In 1911, the number of voting members was fixed at 435. This number was temporarily increased to 437 when Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959, and then returned to 435 after the 1960 census.
It is important to note that U.S. territories and the District of Columbia are not officially represented in the House. However, they are represented by delegates who have similar functions to representatives but do not have a vote during the final passage of legislation.
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House leadership
The speaker of the House acts as the leader and combines several institutional and administrative roles. The speaker is chosen by the representatives themselves and is responsible for presiding over daily sessions, managing the House's agenda, and maintaining order in the chamber. The speaker also represents the House in ceremonial functions, such as the inauguration of the President. The current speaker is second in line to the presidency, after the vice president.
Majority and minority leaders represent their respective parties on the House floor. They are responsible for articulating and promoting their party's agenda, strategies, and policies. These leaders play a crucial role in negotiating and collaborating with members of the other party, finding common ground, and advancing legislation that serves the interests of their constituents.
Whips assist the majority and minority leaders in managing their party's legislative program. They are responsible for ensuring party discipline, tracking the attendance and voting patterns of their party members, and persuading or convincing members to vote in line with party positions. Whips play a crucial role in ensuring that their party's legislative goals are achieved.
The party caucus or conference is a gathering of all members of a particular party in the House. These meetings provide a forum for discussion, debate, and decision-making within each party. They allow members to express their views, formulate strategies, and determine their legislative priorities. The caucus system helps to organize and unify the party, ensuring that the party's platform and message are effectively communicated to the public.
The leadership structure in the House of Representatives is designed to facilitate effective representation, lawmaking, and oversight. It reflects the principles enshrined in the Constitution, including representation based on population, the separation of powers, and checks and balances. The leaders of the House play a pivotal role in translating the Constitution's ideals into concrete actions and policies that serve the American people.
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House rules and conduct
The House of Representatives is one of Congress's two chambers, the other being the Senate. Together, they form the legislative branch of the US federal government. The House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws.
The House of Representatives is led by the speaker, majority and minority leaders, assistant leaders, whips, and a party caucus or conference. The speaker acts as the leader of the House and combines several institutional and administrative roles. Majority and minority leaders represent their respective parties on the House floor.
The House of Representatives is composed of members chosen every second year by the people of the several states. Each representative serves a two-year term and represents the people of a specific congressional district. To be eligible to be a representative, a person must be at least 25 years old, a US citizen for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.
The House determines the rules of its proceedings and may punish its members for disorderly behaviour. The Committee on Ethics has jurisdiction over the rules and statutes governing the conduct of members, officers, and employees while performing their official duties. The Rules Committee controls what bills go to the House Floor and the terms of debate.
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment. In 1974, the Committee on the Judiciary investigated charges of impeachment against President Nixon and determined to recommend his impeachment to the House.
The House of Representatives represents citizens based on district populations, while the Senate represents citizens on an equal state basis. Each state is represented in the House based on its population and has at least one representative. US territories and the District of Columbia are represented in the House by delegates who perform many of the same functions as other representatives but cannot vote on final legislation.
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Powers of the House
The House of Representatives, commonly referred to as the lower house, is one of two bodies that make up Congress, the other being the Senate, or upper house. The House of Representatives represents citizens based on district populations, while the Senate represents citizens on an equal state basis.
The House of Representatives has several powers and responsibilities, including:
- Representation: The House represents citizens based on the population of each state, with each state having at least one representative. The number of representatives is limited to one for every thirty thousand people.
- Legislative Powers: The House shares legislative powers with the Senate, and both bodies must approve a bill for it to become law. The House also has the sole power of impeachment, allowing it to impeach federal officials for "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors".
- Officer Selection: The House chooses its Speaker and other officers. The Speaker acts as the leader of the House and combines various institutional and administrative roles.
- Committee Formation: The House forms committees, including the Rules Committee and special committees for specific purposes, such as investigations. These committees play a crucial role in drafting legislation and overseeing the conduct of members.
- Membership Requirements: The House sets the qualifications for its members, including age, citizenship, and residency requirements. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, citizens of the United States for at least seven years, and inhabitants of the state they represent.
- Quorum and Rules: The House determines what constitutes a quorum, or the minimum number of members needed to conduct business. It also establishes rules for its proceedings and can punish members for disorderly behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
A representative must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.
The House of Representatives represents citizens based on district populations, while the Senate represents citizens on an equal state basis. Each state has at least one representative, and representatives are chosen every second year by the people of the state.
The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment and must approve bills for them to become law. The president may veto a bill passed by the House, which can only be overridden by a two-thirds vote in the House.
