What is the main power of the House of Representatives?
The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an Electoral College tie.
Why is the House of Representatives listed first in the Constitution?
The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The positioning of Congress at the beginning of the Constitution affirms its status as the “First Branch” of the federal government.
How were the House of Representatives originally chosen?
The U.S. House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
What makes up House of Representatives?
The House is composed of representatives who sit in congressional districts allocated to each state on a basis of population as measured by the U.S. Census, with each district having one representative, provided that each state is entitled to at least one.
Why are there only 435 members of the House of Representatives?
Because the House wanted a manageable number of members, Congress twice set the size of the House at 435 voting members. The first law to do so was passed on August 8, 1911. Finally, in 1929 the Permanent Apportionment Act became law. It permanently set the maximum number of representatives at 435.
Which states have the most representatives in the House?
Districts per state State with the most: California (53), same as in 2000. States with the fewest (only one district “at-large”): Alaska, Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming.
How much do US House Representatives make?
Salaries of members of the United States Congress
| Position | Salary |
|---|---|
| Senators and House Representatives | $174,000 |
| Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico | $174,000 |
| President pro tempore of the Senate | $193,400 |
| Majority leader and minority leader of the Senate | $193,400 |
Do senators pay income tax?
FACT: This information is completely false. Members of Congress pay income taxes just like every other American. The U.S. tax code states that everyone who receives revenue must pay an income tax, including Representatives and Senators.
How many staffers does a senator have?
The size of individual members’ personal staffs were still relatively small, with the average senator having six staffers and representatives limited to having five staffers.
How does one become a US Senator?
The Constitution prescribes that the Senate be composed of two senators from each State (therefore, the Senate currently has 100 Members) and that a senator must be at least thirty years of age, have been a citizen of the United States for nine years, and, when elected, be a resident of the State from which he or she …
What are the duties of a member of Congress?
Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.