Final answer:
The term of office for a representative in the U.S. House of Representatives is two years, with the responsibility to maintain a close connection with constituents and meet specific eligibility criteria. Option b) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives serve two-year terms, with all 435 seats up for election during both midterm and presidential election years. Elected to represent specific congressional districts, this cyclic tenure compels representatives to engage in constant reelection efforts. The rationale behind the biennial election cycle is to foster an ongoing and intimate connection between representatives and their constituents, ensuring a continuous responsiveness to the opinions and needs of the people they serve.
To qualify for a seat in the House of Representatives, individuals must meet certain criteria outlined in Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. These qualifications include being at least 25 years old, having maintained U.S. citizenship for a minimum of seven years, and residing in the state they aim to represent. These stipulations are designed to guarantee that elected representatives possess a degree of experience, commitment, and geographic proximity to the constituents they are entrusted to serve. In essence, the two-year term structure not only defines the electoral rhythm of the House but also reinforces the democratic principle of regular, responsive engagement between representatives and the diverse voices of the American public.