The House of Representatives refers to one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1787. It is composed of elected representatives who are selected to serve as the voice and representation of the American people at the national level. The House is referred to as the lower house, contrasting with the Senate, which forms the upper house.
With a total of 435 voting members, the House of Representatives is apportioned among the states based on their respective populations. Each state is guaranteed at least one representative, as per the Constitution, and the remaining seats are allocated proportionally according to population size as determined by the census. The representatives, commonly known as congresspersons or congressmen/women, are elected by eligible voters in their respective congressional districts for a two-year term.
The primary role of the House of Representatives is the initiation of legislation, specifically bills that seek to create, modify, or abolish federal laws. It also plays a crucial role in the federal budget process by considering and approving appropriation bills. Additionally, the House has the constitutional authority to launch impeachments against federal officials and to elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie.
Overall, the House of Representatives serves as an essential component of the United States' system of checks and balances, providing a representative forum for debate, decision-making, and legislation on issues relevant to both individual states and the nation as a whole.
