Requirements to be a Representative

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, and it currently counts 435 men and women among its members. House members are popularly elected by constituents in their home states; they don't represent the entire state, but rather specific geographic districts within the state. House members serve two-year terms, but what does it take to be a representative in the first place, besides money, legions of loyal constituents, charisma and the stamina to make it through a campaign?

According to Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, House members must be:

• at least 25 years of age.

• a citizen of the United States for at least seven years prior to election.

• a resident of the state he or she is chosen to represent.

No other requirements are specified in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution.

• Government 101 Index

Phaedra Trethan is a freelance writer and a former copy editor for The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper.

Also See:
The Branches of Government
The House Agenda
Federalist Papers on Congress
Why We Have a House and a Senate
The Great Compromise of 1787