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 therefore one representative in the House.

Representatives must: Be at least 25 years old. Be a U.S. citizen for the past 7 years. Live in the state they represent.

Each representative serves a term of 2 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.

The House has special jobs that only it can do. It can:

• Start 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.

To learn more, choose from thefollowing: Branches of Government Legislative Branch Congress The House of Representatives Quick Facts About Your State The Senate