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Question 22 of 100 · 2008 civics test

We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

From the 100-question list, the version for applications filed before October 20, 2025.

Accepted answer

  • two (2)

Why this is the answer

A representative serves two years, and every seat in the House is up for election at the same time. That was deliberate. The Framers believed that short terms and frequent elections would keep representatives close to the people they serve, to public opinion, and to local concerns. The people who live in a representative's district are called constituents, and representatives who stop reflecting their views can be voted out quickly. The Constitution sets no limit on how many terms a representative may serve. Memory hook: the whole House faces the voters every two years, which is the shortest leash in the federal government.