congressman

A congressman is a title used for a member of a congress, typically in the United States. In common usage it refers to a male member of the U.S. House of Representatives, while Senators are not typically described as congressmen. The feminine form is congresswoman, and the gender-neutral term congressperson is increasingly used.

A congressman represents a congressional district in the House of Representatives or, in some contexts, may refer to a member of a national congress in other countries. In the United States, Congress consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives; the term congressman most often denotes a member of the House.

Duties and powers: Congressmen draft, sponsor, and vote on legislation; serve on committees; advocate for constituents; and participate in oversight of the executive branch. They may introduce or support appropriations and revenue measures. The Senate holds additional powers, such as confirming federal appointments, ratifying treaties, and trying impeachments.

Eligibility and terms: In the United States, a House member must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent; a Senate member must be at least 30, a citizen for nine years, and a resident of the state they represent. House terms are two years; Senate terms are six years with staggered elections. There are no term limits at the federal level.

See also: Congressperson, politician, legislative branch.