How do congressional elections work?

Congressional elections occur every two years. Voters choose one-third of senators and every member of the House of Representatives. Midterm elections occur halfway between presidential elections. Congressional elections use the popular vote to choose winners.

How is the election to the Senate different from the House of Representatives?

You are right; the voting systems for the Senate and House of Representatives are quite different. In the House of Representatives one candidate is elected from each electorate. Proportional voting in the Senate has resulted in more independent and minor party senators being elected to the Senate than in the House.

How often is Congress elected?

Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year. Senators however, serve six-year terms and elections to the Senate are staggered over even years so that only about 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection during any election.

Which House has the power of the purse?

Congress—and in particular, the House of Representatives—is invested with the “power of the purse,” the ability to tax and spend public money for the national government.

How were House of Representatives members originally chosen?

Importantly, the Constitution originally stipulated that while members of the House of Representatives were elected by the citizens of each state (meaning: those eligible to vote), members of the Senate were instead appointed by the individual legislatures of the 13 states.

What are the qualifications to be in the House of Representatives?

Qualifications. Representatives must be at least 25 years old, must be U.S. citizens for at least seven years and must–at the time of their election–be a resident of the state they are representing. Senators must be at least 30 years old, must be U.S. citizens for at least nine years and must–at the time of their election–be a resident…

Are members of the House of Representatives called Senators?

Members of the House of Representatives are commonly referred to as representatives, congressmen or congresswomen, while members of the Senate are typically referred to as senators.

What are the duties of the House of Representatives?

The House of Representatives has two main duties: making laws and scrutinising the work of the Government. The main task of the Senate is considering bills approved by the House of Representatives.