Based on a provision of the U.S. Constitution, why did the framers include a two-year term for the House of Representatives?

Study for the VirtualSC Honors Government Exam. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations.

The framers of the U.S. Constitution established a two-year term for the House of Representatives to ensure that elected officials remain closely connected and accountable to the voters they represent. With shorter terms, representatives must frequently seek re-election, which encourages them to be more responsive to the immediate needs and concerns of their constituents. This design reflects the framers' intent to create a legislative body that would be more reflective of the people's will, allowing voters to have a regular opportunity to express their approval or disapproval of their representatives' performance.

In contrast, longer terms for senators, set at six years, mean that they have a different relationship with their constituents. Senators are intended to take a longer view of policy and governance, which can lead to less pressure for immediate responsiveness. The structure of more frequent elections for the House supports a more dynamic and representative approach to governance, as incumbents must consistently align their actions with the interests of their voters to secure their position. This direct accountability to the electorate is a fundamental principle of democratic governance encompassed in the design of the House of Representatives.

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