House of Representatives: 2-Year Terms

Every House seat is up for election every two years. This was designed to keep the House closely tied to voters, with frequent elections and fast feedback on national priorities.

• All 435 seats are on the ballot every election.
• District lines are redrawn after each census.
• House terms begin on January 3 following the election.

Senate: 6-Year Terms with Staggered Elections

Senators serve six-year terms, but only about one-third of seats are up in any given election. This staggered schedule creates continuity and stability in the Senate.

Learn more about the rotation system on our Senate classes explainer.

Why the Terms Are Different

The Constitution set shorter House terms to reflect public opinion quickly, while longer Senate terms were intended to encourage deliberation and long-term decision making.

Are There Congressional Term Limits?

There are no federal term limits for members of Congress. Proposals to add term limits are debated frequently, but would require a constitutional amendment.

How the U.S. Compares

Many other democracies use shorter legislative terms or dissolve parliament for snap elections. The U.S. model prioritizes predictable election cycles with fixed term lengths.

Find Your Representatives

Ready to see when your representatives' terms end? Visit the interactive map.