The Constitution of the United States

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The Constitution ofthe United States
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We the People of the United States, in Order to
form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
common defence, promote the general Welfare, and
secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
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The U.S. Constitution provides for a system of
checks and balances between the three branches of
government
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
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Article 1
Legislative Branch
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Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted
shall be vested in a Congress of the United
States, which shall consist of a Senate and House
of Representatives.
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Qualifications for serving in the House of
Representatives

• Anyone wishing to serve in the House must
• be twenty-five years old
• be a U. S. citizen for at least seven years
• live in the state which elects them

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Since 1910 the number of representatives that
serve in the House has been permanently set at
435.
How do they decide how many representatives each
state has?
Every ten years a census is taken, and
representation is apportioned accordingly.
It is based on population.
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How often do we elect members to the House
of Representatives?
Every two years.
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What happens if a representative dies
during their term in office?
The governor of the state calls for a
special election.
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Is there anyone in charge in the House of
Representatives?
Yes. The House elects a presiding officer known
as the Speaker of the House
Who currently is the Speaker of the House?
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Current Speaker of the House of Representatives
Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin (R)
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Special Powers of theHouse of Representatives

• The House of Representatives has the power to
  impeach high government or judicial officers for
  misbehaviour in office

All impeachment proceedings must start in the
House!