Q&A for How to Become a Congressperson

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How many terms can a Congressman serve?

Community Answer

As many as they want. Some congressmen spend their entire careers getting reelected.

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Do I have to be 25 at the time of campaigning or at the time of election?

Community Answer

At the time of the election. You have to be 25 when you are sworn in, so as long as you are 25 when you're elected, then you're fine.

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What would I have to study to get into Congress?

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Community Answer

There is no actual requirement, but degrees in law and political science are very highly recommended.

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Does a representative represent his whole state or just the district in which he was elected?

Community Answer

Representatives only represent the district. Senators represent the entire state.

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Does a US representative represent the entire state or just his district?

Community Answer

Just his district. Each representative is supposed to take the interests of their district into mind when voting on bills. A senator, on the other hand, represents the whole state.

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Who governs Congress?

Community Answer

The Speaker of the House, who is a congressman or congresswoman who is from the majority party, and is elected by his/her fellow congressmen.

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Can I be a convicted felon and still run for Congress and Senate?

Community Answer

Yes, they can, as states cannot add any more restrictions to the ones already in place.

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What kind of college education do I need to become a congressperson?

Community Answer

There is no actual requirement, but degrees in law and political science are very highly recommended.

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Can I run for Congress if I'm from a foreign country?

Community Answer

Yes, but you have to be a US citizen for 7 years first to be a representative and 9 years to become a Congressperson.

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How much does a Congressmen get paid?

Community Answer

The amount is not often disclosed, so people do not know.

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Does a single US representative in a state represent the state or district?

Community Answer

A House of Representatives member represents the district. Senators represent the entire state.

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Do I need to be a citizen for a specific amount of time to become a congressperson in a certain area?

Community Answer

Yes. You need to be a US citizen for the last seven years (at the time of inauguration) to run for the House of Representatives and the last nine years for the Senate. You don't need to be in a certain area, just of the US.

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Is an economics degree useful to become a congressperson?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Yes a degree in politics and economics would be very helpful in your journey to become a congressperson.

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Question

Do you have to be elected senator before congress?

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Community Answer

No you don’t necessarily need to have previous political experience to be able to run for congress but having previous political experience can increase your chances of being elected to congress.

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Do you need to go to college before getting elected? Which degree or major do you graduate with?

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Community Answer

Although a college education is not a requirement to become a congressperson, it will likely increase your chances of being elected. Good majors to study if you are interested in becoming a politician include political science and law.

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