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.
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton initiated the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and the 17th of September 1787. The Great Compromise resolved conflicts by establishing a bicameral legislature with proportional seats in the House and equal seats in the Senate.
The number of voting representatives has been fixed at 435 since the Apportionment Act of 1911. As of the 2020 census, California holds the largest delegation with 52 representatives while six states including Alaska have only one representative each.
Nancy Pelosi became the first female speaker when Democrats won control in 2006 elections. The Speaker of the House serves as the presiding officer and second in line for presidential succession under the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.
House meetings occur weekdays within the south wing of the United States Capitol building. Members sit in a semicircular pattern divided by a wide central aisle with Democrats on the left and Republicans on the right.