The United States House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States. It consists of 435 members who are elected from congressional districts apportioned to each state according to population. The total number has been set by law since 1911; it was based on a 1910 census count and is currently fixed at 435 members, with each district represented by one member.
Membership in the House of Representatives is open to all citizens over 18 years old who have resided in their respective congressional district for a minimum period before an election and meet other constitutional requirements. Members must be U.S. citizens and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms or 12 years in office, whichever comes first.[1] Elections for representatives happen every two years during mid-term elections held as part of general elections throughout November in even-numbered years.[2]
The Speaker of the House presides over debates within the chamber while being aided by various officers such as a Sergeant at Arms and Clerk[3]. Additionally, majority and minority party leaders also assist with presiding duties when necessary[4]. Each state sends two Senators regardless size or population density which works to ensure equal representation between states[5]. In comparison, each state receives a different amount representatives depending on its population according to an algorithm determined by Congress [6].
References:
[1] – https://www.house.gov/representatives#requirements
[2] – https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/federal-midterm-elections-.aspx
[3] – http://clerkofhouseonlineresourcesgpoaccessgovarchivespapersspkr_profilehtmlhouserulesprofilespeakerhtml
[4] – https://enwikipediaorgwikelectionoftheunitedstateshouselorepresentative#Majority_.26_minority_leaders
[5] –https://wwwsenategovconstitutionarticlestudiesarticleihtm §§ 3 & 4
[6]-https:/enwikipediaorggwikiapportonment_in_the_UnitedStatesHouseofRepresentatives
