The United States House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the United States Senate. Here are key details about this institution:
Origins and History
- Established by the United States Constitution in 1787, the House of Representatives began its first session on March 4, 1789.
- Its creation was influenced by the need for representation based on population, as opposed to the equal representation of states in the Senate.
- The first session was held in New York City, which served as the temporary capital of the United States until the government moved to Philadelphia and later to Washington, D.C.
Composition and Term
- As per the Reapportionment Act of 1929, the House has a fixed size of 435 members. However, additional non-voting delegates from territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are also represented.
- Members, known as Representatives or Congressmen/Congresswomen, serve two-year terms.
- Seats are apportioned among the states based on population, with each state guaranteed at least one representative.
Powers and Functions
- The House has exclusive powers in initiating revenue bills, which are bills for raising revenue through taxation.
- It also holds the power of impeachment, with the Senate acting as the jury in such trials.
- Representatives are involved in passing legislation, which must be approved by both the House and the Senate before being presented to the President for signature or veto.
Leadership
- The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and is elected by the members of the House.
- Other leadership roles include the Majority and Minority Leaders, Whips, and various committee chairs.
Notable Events and Changes
- The House has seen numerous historical events, including the first use of electronic voting in 1973.
- Over time, changes have been made to its procedures and structure to reflect the growing population and changing political landscape of the United States.
Current Context
- The House plays a critical role in the legislative process, often being the starting point for national policy and debates.
- It reflects the diversity of the American population, with representatives from various ethnic, racial, and professional backgrounds.
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