Each member of the U.S. House of Representatives, also known as a representative, congressman, or congresswoman, is elected to serve a two-year term. This relatively short term is designed to keep representatives accountable to the people they represent in their specific congressional districts. During their service, representatives are responsible for a variety of critical tasks, including introducing and voting on bills and resolutions, proposing amendments to legislation, and actively participating in various House committees.
The size of the House of Representatives is currently set at 435 voting members. This number was established by Public Law 62-5 on August 8, 1911, and has been in effect since 1913. The allocation of representatives to each state is based on the state’s population, ensuring proportional representation in the legislative branch.
Article 1, Section 2 of the United States Constitution outlines the basic framework for the House, setting parameters for its size. In addition to the 435 voting members, there are also delegates representing Washington D.C., the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as a resident commissioner for Puerto Rico. While these non-voting members share many of the same responsibilities as voting representatives, they are not permitted to vote on the House floor.
To be eligible for election to the House, candidates must meet specific qualifications. They must be at least 25 years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for no less than seven years, and reside in the state they seek to represent.
For more detailed information about representatives, you can visit the Clerk’s site.
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Historical Context
The decision to establish a House of Representatives with representation based on population and a Senate with equal state representation was a result of extensive debate among the framers of the Constitution. This agreement, known as The Great Compromise, was crucial in ensuring the balance of power in the U.S. Congress.
Alt text: Proportional representation in the House of Representatives based on state population.
