SOCIAL STUDIES
The House of Representatives
In the House, representation is based on the number of people living in each
state. There are a total of 435 representatives in the House. Each member
represents an area of the state, known as a congressional district. The number
of representatives is based on the number of districts in a state. Therefore,
states with larger populations have more representation than states with
smaller populations. Each state has at least one congressional district and one
representative in the House.
Each representative serves a term of two years. When the term is over, people
from that state may choose to elect a new representative or keep the same one.
There is no limit on the number of terms a representative can serve.
Representatives must:
• Be at least 25 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen for the past 7 years.
• Live in the state they represent.
The House has special jobs that only it can do. It can:
• Pass laws that make people pay taxes.
• Decide if a government official should be put on trial before the Senate
if s/he commits a crime against the country.
The Senate
Each of the 50 states sends 2 people to the Senate, so there are a total
of 100 senators. This means that each state has equal representation in
the Senate. Each senator serves a term of 6 years. When their 6 year term
is over, the people from that state may choose to elect a new senator or
keep the same one. There is no limit on the number of terms a senator can
serve.
Senators mus
t:
• Be at least 30 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen for the past 9 years.
• Live in the state they represent.
The Senate has special jobs that only it can do. It can:
• Vote for or against any treaties the president makes.
• Vote for or against any people the president recommends for jobs, such
as cabinet officers, Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors.
• Can hold a trial for a government official who does something
very wrong.
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