House of Representatives

The lower house of the United States Congress . With 435 popularly elected officials, the House (as it is often called) is the most representative body in the federal government. House seats are apportioned ( see apportionment ) relative to each state's population. Because of its larger size, the House tends to maintain a closer link to local constituent concerns than the Senate , though both houses of Congress participate in virtually all aspects of legislation and policymaking. The Speaker of the House is one of the most influential officials in Washington, D.C. , and is second in succession to the presidency, after the vice president.