The institutionalization of the house of representatives in the United States

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of institutionalization of the House of Representatives in the United States, from its beginnings at the end of the 18th century through the middle of the 20th century. The process is analyzed through three fundamental variables: 1) defining its functional limits in related to other organizations, particularly those of a political nature; 2) the relative complexity of the institution, in other words, to what extent its functions are internally separated on a regular and explicit basis; 3) the universalism and automatism of the procedures adopted for carrying out its diverse internal affairs. Throughout the article, each one of these variables is successively examined from a historical point of view. In the manner of conclusion, several speculative observations on causes, consequences and possible lessons to be learned from these processes of institutionalization are presented.