Missouri House of Representatives facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Missouri House of Representatives |
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|---|---|
| Missouri General Assembly | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
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Term limits
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4 terms (8 years) |
| History | |
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New session started
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January 6, 2016 |
| Leadership | |
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Todd Richardson (R)
Since May 15, 2015 |
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Speaker pro Tempore
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Denny Hoskins (R)
Since January 7, 2015 |
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Majority Leader
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Mike Cierpiot (R)
Since May 15, 2015 |
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Minority Leader
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Jacob Hummel (D)
Since January 7, 2015 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 163 |
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Political groups
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Governing party
Opposition party
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Length of term
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2 years |
| Authority | Article III, Missouri Constitution |
| Salary | $35,915/year + per diem |
| Elections | |
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Last election
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November 4, 2014 (163 seats) |
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Next election
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November 1, 2016 (163 seats) |
| Redistricting | Legislative Control |
| Meeting place | |
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| Missouri State Capitol Jefferson City, Missouri |
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| Website | |
| Missouri House of Representatives | |
The Missouri House of Representatives is an important part of the Missouri General Assembly. It is the "lower chamber" of Missouri's state government. This means it works with the "upper chamber," the Missouri Senate, to make laws for the state.
The House has 163 members. Each member represents a specific area, or district, with about 37,000 people. These members are chosen by voters in general elections. Elections happen every two years, in even-numbered years.
In 1992, Missouri voters decided to add term limits. This means a representative can only serve for a certain amount of time. Before 1992, there were no limits on how long someone could serve.
Contents
What is the Missouri House of Representatives?
The Missouri House of Representatives is where elected officials meet to create laws for the state of Missouri. It is part of the Missouri General Assembly, which is the state's main lawmaking body. The House works together with the Missouri Senate to pass bills.
How Many Members and What They Do
There are 163 members in the Missouri House of Representatives. Each member represents a different part of the state. Their main job is to listen to the people in their district and vote on new laws.
Missouri's House is the fourth largest in the United States. Other states like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Georgia have more representatives.
Who Can Be a Representative?
To become a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, a person must meet certain requirements. These rules help make sure that representatives are ready for the job.
Requirements for Representatives
- They must be at least 24 years old.
- They need to be a registered voter in Missouri for at least two years.
- They must have lived in the district they want to represent for at least one year.
How Long Can Representatives Serve?
In 1992, voters in Missouri approved a rule about how long representatives can serve. This rule is called a "term limit."
Understanding Term Limits
A representative can serve no more than four two-year terms in the House. This means they can serve for a total of eight years. The first time these term limits stopped someone from running for office again was in 2002.
How Much Do Representatives Get Paid?
Members of the Missouri House of Representatives receive a yearly salary for their work.
Representative Salaries
As of March 2008, representatives earned about $35,915 each year. They also receive extra money for daily expenses when they are working.
Who is in the House?
The members of the Missouri House of Representatives belong to different political parties. This shows how the House is made up.
Political Parties in the House
Currently, the Republican Party has the most members. They are the "majority party." The Democratic Party is the "opposition party." There is also one independent member.
- Republicans: 116 members
- Democrats: 45 members
- Independent: 1 member
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