The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress with 435 voting members apportioned among the 50 states by population. Every state gets at least one representative, but larger states have more. Each member represents roughly 760,000 constituents—far more than in comparable democracies and growing as the U.S. population increases while House size stays fixed at 435 (set in 1929).
House members serve two-year terms, the shortest of any federal office. The Framers chose two years to make the House feel constant electoral pressure and remain responsive to public opinion. Representatives must campaign continuously, which devours campaign time and makes them vulnerable to single-issue challengers. The House holds three exclusive powers: all revenue bills must originate there, the House alone can impeach federal officials, and the House chooses the president if the Electoral College produces a tie.
The committee system does most House work. Standing committees hold hearings, amend bills, and decide what legislation reaches the floor. Committee chairs from the majority party control which bills advance. Since 435 members must work together, the House needs formal rules and procedures. This makes the House more rigid and less flexible than the Senate but also more representative of majority preferences.
The House''s size and short terms make it the most directly representative chamber. Control of the House determines which legislation gets floor votes, whether the president faces impeachment, and which party chairs committees. House control shifts more frequently than Senate control because of shorter terms.
People sometimes call House members "senators." In reality, senators serve six-year terms in the Senate; representatives serve two-year terms in the House. House members must reelect more frequently than senators, making them more responsive to current opinion.
The House''s size and short terms make it the most directly representative chamber. Control of the House determines which legislation gets floor votes, whether the president faces impeachment, and which party chairs committees. House control shifts more frequently than Senate control because of shorter terms.
People sometimes call House members "senators." In reality, senators serve six-year terms in the Senate; representatives serve two-year terms in the House. House members must reelect more frequently than senators, making them more responsive to current opinion.