House of Representatives

There are 435 members in the House of Representatives.  The number of representatives for each state is based on the state’s population, but is never less than one.  The number can be adjusted every 10 years after a new census is taken.  One state cannot add a representative unless another state loses one.  Three requirements to be a member of the House of Representatives are: must be at least 25 years old, be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years and have a residency in the state where elected.  The term of a member of the House is 2 years.  I like that they serve a short term so that in the event that they are not representing the people satisfactorily they can be replaced.   

Currently our state, California, has 53 members in the House of Representatives.  The current representative from the district that I live in is Lynn C. Woolsey.  She has already served 12 terms.  Party leaders are elected by their respective parties in a closed door caucus.  Currently the Majority Leader is Eric Cantor (Republican) and the Minority Leader is Nancy Pelosi (Democrat).  The current speaker of the House is John Boehner  (Republican).