The Legislative Branch of the United States Government
The legislative branch of the United States government is responsible for making laws. It is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has 435 members, who are elected to two-year terms. The number of seats each state has in the House is based on its population. (https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/legi.html)
Key Facts
- The House of Representatives has a total of 435 seats.
- The number of seats in the House of Representatives is based on state populations, with each state being allocated a certain number of seats.
- In addition to the 435 elected members, there are also 6 non-voting members representing the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four other territories.
- Members of the House of Representatives are elected for two-year terms.
- To be eligible for the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Senate:
- The Senate has a total of 100 seats.
- Each state is represented by two Senators.
- Senators are elected for six-year terms.
- The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate and can cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie.
- To be eligible for the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent.
In addition to the 435 elected members, there are also six non-voting members who represent the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four other territories. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-legislative-branch/)
To be eligible for the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent. (https://bensguide.gpo.gov/a-legislative)
The Senate
The Senate has 100 members, two from each state. Senators are elected to six-year terms, and their terms are staggered so that one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-legislative-branch/)
The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate and can cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie. (https://bensguide.gpo.gov/a-legislative)
To be eligible for the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent. (https://bensguide.gpo.gov/a-legislative)
Powers of the Legislative Branch
The legislative branch has the power to make laws, declare war, and raise taxes. It also has the power to confirm or reject presidential appointments, and to impeach and remove the President from office. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-legislative-branch/)
The legislative branch is an important part of the U.S. government. It is responsible for making the laws that govern our country, and it has the power to check the power of the President and the judicial branch.
FAQs
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
The House of Representatives has 435 members.
How many members are in the Senate?
The Senate has 100 members.
What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?
Members of the House of Representatives are elected to two-year terms.
What is the term length for a Senator?
Senators are elected to six-year terms.
What are the eligibility requirements to be a member of the House of Representatives?
To be eligible for the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent.
What are the eligibility requirements to be a Senator?
To be eligible for the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent.
What are the powers of the legislative branch?
The legislative branch has the power to make laws, declare war, and raise taxes. It also has the power to confirm or reject presidential appointments, and to impeach and remove the President from office.
How are members of the House of Representatives and the Senate elected?
Members of the House of Representatives are elected by popular vote in each state. Senators are elected by the state legislatures.