Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What is the length of a U.S. Representative's elected term?

1. Two years

2. Four years

3. Six years

4. One year

The correct answer is: Two years

The elected term of a U.S. Representative is two years. This reflects the founding principles established in the U.S. Constitution, where the framers intended for the House of Representatives to be closely connected to the voters. By having shorter terms, representatives must regularly seek re-election, which encourages them to remain responsive to the public's needs and opinions. This two-year term duration fosters a government that is more in touch with current issues, as representatives can be held accountable by their constituents more frequently than those in offices with longer terms. In contrast, the other options, such as four-year or six-year terms, apply to different positions within the federal government, such as U.S. Senators or the President, which are designated longer terms to allow for stability and continuity in those offices. A one-year term would likely hinder the ability of a representative to effectively address and navigate the complexities of governance, as they would spend a significant portion of their time campaigning for re-election rather than fulfilling their duties.