U.S. Congress Structure and Elections

These flashcards cover the structure, requirements, and electoral processes of the U.S. Congress.

How many voting members serve in the House?

435 voting members.

How many senators serve in the Senate?

100 senators.

What is the minimum age to serve in the House?

25 years old.

What is the minimum age to serve in the Senate?

30 years old.

What is the minimum years of citizenship to serve in the House?

7 years.

What is the minimum years of citizenship to serve in the Senate?

9 years.

What is the term length for a member of the House?

2 years.

What is the term length for a member of the Senate?

6 years.

What is an additional requirement for serving in the House or Senate?

You must be an inhabitant of the state you represent at the time of the election.

When is the next election for the House of Representatives and Senate?

November 3, 2026.

When will the next Congress take office?

January 3, 2027 (the 120th Congress).

What are two reasons the House reflects the views of American citizens?

1) Frequent elections every two years keep members accountable to voters; 2) Representation is based on population and smaller districts.

Who selected U.S. Senators prior to the 17th Amendment?

State legislatures.

Which party controls the House in the 119th Congress?

Republican Party.

Which party controls the Senate in the 119th Congress?

Republican Party.

What is the difference between reapportionment and redistricting?

Reapportionment is the federal redistribution of House seats among states; redistricting is the state-level process of redrawing district boundaries.