• Working on the Hill has strict requirementscapitol image by Andrew Breeden from Fotolia.com
  
  The ability to serve as a United States representative or senator is limited to a select number--with 435 representative slots, 100 senatorial seats, and incumbents having a strong advantage over newcomers, the fight to represent the country is a fierce one. The basic requirements for the jobs--residency and age--are listed in the U.S. Constitution. If you meet these requirements, and get elected by voters, a political career can reward you with the ability to serve your country and make a difference.
  
  

Requirements to Be a U.S. Senator

• According to the U.S. Constitution, "no person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of 30 years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he shall be chosen." Failure to meet the requirements render a candidate ineligible for election to the office of senator.
  
  

Requirements to Be a U.S. Representative

• The U.S. Constitution states, "no person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age of 25 years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen." You must possess all of these attributes to be able to run for the House of Representatives.
  
  

Other requirements

• Politicians must possess certain skills to win election. You must be able to effectively raise money. If you can't convince people to give you money, you won't be able to spend the money necessary to convince undecided voters. You must be able to speak passionately. Not only must you persuade voters to support you, but you must be able to speak your mind on the floor of Congress.