— Ch. 1 · Constitutional Foundations And Powers —
United States House of Representatives.
~3 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
The United States House of Representatives convened for the first time on the 1st of April 1789, in New York City. This chamber holds exclusive authority to initiate all revenue bills under Article One of the U.S. Constitution. It also possesses the sole power to impeach federal officers and elect the president if no candidate secures a majority in the Electoral College. These powers distinguish it from the Senate, which handles treaty ratification and judicial confirmations. The House's structure was designed to reflect population through proportional representation, unlike the equal state representation found in the upper chamber.
Historical Evolution Of The Chamber
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton initiated the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and the 17th of September 1787. The Virginia Plan called for proportional representation in the House while the New Jersey Plan demanded equal state representation. The Great Compromise resolved this conflict by establishing a bicameral legislature with proportional seats in the House and equal seats in the Senate. During the Civil War years from 1861 to 1865, regional conflicts over slavery dominated proceedings. Thomas Brackett Reed served as Speaker from 1895 to 1899 and centralized power under his nickname "Czar Reed." Joseph Gurney Cannon held the speakership from 1903 to 1911 before the Revolution of 1910 curtailed his authority. Newt Gingrich led the Republican Revolution of 1994, gaining control after Democrats had held the House since 1955.