What is one power of the U.S. House of Representatives?

Why This Matters

The House of Representatives has two exclusive powers that set it apart from the Senate. First, all bills about taxes and government spending must start in the House. This is called the "power of the purse." The founders gave this power to the House because its members are elected every two years and are closest to the people. The idea was that decisions about how to spend the people's money should come from the representatives who are most directly accountable to voters.

Second, the House has the sole power to impeach government officials. Impeachment means formally charging a government official, including the President, with serious wrongdoing. Think of it like a grand jury in a criminal case: the House decides whether there is enough evidence to bring charges. If the House votes to impeach, the case then moves to the Senate for a trial. The House does not decide guilt, it only decides whether to bring the charge.

For your citizenship interview, you need to name just one power of the House. "Introduce tax bills" is the simplest answer. You could also say the House can "impeach government officials." Either one is correct. Pick the answer that feels most natural to you and practice saying it clearly.

Key Facts

• All tax and revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives
• The House has the sole power to impeach (formally charge) government officials
• House members serve two-year terms, making them closely tied to voters
• The House has 435 voting members, with each representing a congressional district
• Impeachment by the House does not mean removal, the Senate holds the trial

Common Mistakes

• Saying the House approves treaties or confirms judges, those are Senate powers
• Confusing impeachment with removal from office, impeachment is only the first step
• Saying "the House makes all the laws", both the House and Senate must pass a bill for it to become law

Study Tip

Remember two key words for the House: "taxes" and "impeach." The House starts tax bills and starts impeachment. It is the starting point for both. Think of the House as the place where these important processes begin, and the Senate as the place where they are reviewed or tried.