The US House of Representatives, one of the two chambers of the US Congress, plays a central role in making and passing federal laws. Composed of 435 members, the House represents the people directly, with representatives elected every two years by residents of congressional districts across the country.
According to Article 1, Section 2 of the US Constitution, House members are chosen biennially by voters in each state, with each state guaranteed at least one representative.
The number of seats a state holds is determined by its population, which is reassessed every 10 years through the national census. This system of population-based representation has been a key feature of the House since the Constitution's inception, ensuring that states’ representation reflects demographic changes.
To be eligible for the House, candidates must meet three key requirements: they must be at least 25 years old, have been US citizens for seven or more years, and reside in the state they aim to represent. This ensures that members are familiar with their state's specific needs and concerns.
Initially, the House began with 59 members, which quickly grew as states such as North Carolina and Rhode Island ratified the Constitution. By 1912, following steady population growth across the US, the House capped its membership at 435 representatives, a number that remains constant today.
This direct link to the people and its flexibility to adapt to population shifts underscores the House of Representatives' role in maintaining a government that mirrors the nation’s evolving demographic landscape.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ