Final answer:
The average cost of a successful campaign for a U.S. House representative in 2020 was $2.4 million, highlighting the growth in campaign expenditures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student inquired about the average cost of a successful campaign for a U.S. House representative in 2020. Based on election finance data, the average cost of such campaigns has significantly risen over the years. In the 2020 election cycle, a successful campaign for a House seat amounted to approximately $2.4 million.
This figure showcases the increasing financial demands of political campaigns in the United States, with individuals contributing a substantial portion of these funds. Moreover, in the context of government spending and the U.S. economy, the total spent on political campaigns is relatively small, representing a minute fraction of governmental expenditures and the overall economy.