Introduction
The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, with the other being the Senate. It is made up of 435 members who represent different districts across the country. In this article, we will delve into the definition of the House of Representatives and its role in the US government.
Composition
The House of Representatives is composed of members who are elected by the people in each state. The number of representatives from each state is based on its population, with each state guaranteed at least one representative. California, being the most populous state, has the most number of representatives at 53, while states like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming have only one representative each.
Role
The House of Representatives plays a crucial role in the legislative process. It is responsible for proposing and passing federal legislation, as well as representing the interests of the citizens in their respective districts. The House also has the power to impeach federal officials, including the President of the United States.
Examples
One of the most famous examples of the House of Representatives exercising its power to impeach a federal official is the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998. The House voted to impeach Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, although he was later acquitted by the Senate.
Case Studies
In recent years, the House of Representatives has been involved in several high-profile legislative battles, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and the impeachment of President Donald Trump in 2019. These cases demonstrate the significant impact that the House can have on national policy and governance.
Statistics
- There are currently 435 members in the House of Representatives
- The average age of a House member is 57 years old
- The longest-serving member of the House was John Dingell, who served for over 59 years
