House of Representatives

Definition

The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, composed of representatives elected to serve two-year terms. This legislative body plays a crucial role in the federal government, particularly in initiating revenue bills and impeachment proceedings against federal officials, including judges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The House of Representatives has 435 voting members, with the number from each state based on its population, ensuring proportional representation.
2. Members of the House must be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and reside in the state they represent.
3. The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills, meaning any legislation related to taxes or spending must start there.
4. Impeachment proceedings begin in the House, where a simple majority is needed to pass articles of impeachment against federal officials.
5. Following impeachment by the House, the Senate conducts the trial and determines whether to convict and remove the official from office.

Review Questions

• How does the House of Representatives participate in the impeachment process?
  • The House of Representatives plays a vital role in the impeachment process by having the exclusive authority to bring charges against federal officials, including judges. This is done through voting on articles of impeachment, which requires a simple majority for approval. If successful, these articles are then sent to the Senate, which conducts a trial to determine if the official should be removed from office.
• What distinguishes the powers of the House of Representatives from those of the Senate concerning legislation and impeachment?
  • The House of Representatives and Senate have distinct powers when it comes to legislation and impeachment. While both chambers participate in creating laws, only the House can initiate revenue bills. In terms of impeachment, the House can bring charges against officials through a simple majority vote, while the Senate holds the trial and requires a two-thirds majority to convict and remove an official from office.
• Evaluate the impact that the structure and powers of the House of Representatives have on judicial accountability in the U.S. government.
  • The structure and powers of the House of Representatives significantly influence judicial accountability by establishing a mechanism for oversight and potential removal of federal judges. By allowing for impeachment proceedings to start in the House, it ensures that judges can be held accountable for misconduct or abuse of power. This process not only serves as a check on judicial authority but also reinforces public trust in the judiciary by demonstrating that judges are not above the law. Consequently, this contributes to a balance of power among branches of government and fosters transparency within the judicial system.

Related terms

Impeachment: The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a government official, potentially leading to removal from office.

Senate: The upper chamber of the United States Congress, which works alongside the House of Representatives to create laws and has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials.

Bill: A proposed law that is presented for approval to a legislative body, such as the House of Representatives.