House of Representatives
A house is a form of dwelling, a single-unit residential building or grouping of buildings, typically outfitted with plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Houses can range from rudimentary huts to sophisticated, large-scale constructions of wood, masonry, glass or concrete. The term “house” can also refer to a structure used for habitation or for storage, especially a cabin in the wild or a garage or shed.
Often, houses have doors and locks to keep out weather, pests or other undesirables. They may have windows and a roof to allow in sunlight and protect people and possessions from rain or snow. Houses may have furniture, appliances and fixtures to make them comfortable for people to live in. In modern societies, most houses are equipped with lighting and electric power. Houses are generally surrounded by yards or gardens to provide outdoor space.
The United States House of Representatives, commonly referred to as the House of Representatives or simply the House, is one of two chambers of the U.S. Congress and part of the legislative branch of the federal government. The House has 435 voting members, called representatives, proportionally representing the population of each state. The House is governed by the rules of the House, which it establishes through debate and vote. The House’s presiding officer is the speaker, who has substantial control over how the House conducts business and is responsible for its day-to-day operations.
In addition to its members, the House has several other officers, including the clerk who maintains public records, prepares documents and oversees junior officials, such as pages until their discontinuation in 2011, and the chief administrative officer, who handles everything from payroll to food service. The House also has a chaplain, who leads the House in prayer at the start of each session, and a sergeant at arms, who provides law enforcement services on the House grounds.
The house is a place where family members can spend quality time together and children can grow up in a safe and stable environment. Many people choose to buy a house instead of renting an apartment because it offers more stability and the opportunity for financial investment. There are risks to buying a house, such as market fluctuations and maintenance costs, but careful planning can help minimize these risks. Renting, on the other hand, can be a good option for those who prefer a more flexible lifestyle.