What is the total number of members in the House of Representatives?

The House of Representatives is composed of 435 members, a number that has been established by law since the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929. This fixed size is designed to ensure that representation remains equitable among the states, with each state allocated a proportionate number of representatives based on its population as determined by the decennial census. The entire system allows for a stable and predictable legislative body, contributing to the effectiveness of the U.S. Congress in performing its duties.

The other numbers presented in the options do not reflect the established membership of the House, as there are not 400, 500, or 450 members serving in the House. This distinction helps clarify the accurate composition of this critical branch of government, which plays a vital role in lawmaking and representing the electorate.