What Is a House?
A house is a structure that serves as shelter for a group of people. Houses can be constructed from a variety of materials and come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be single family homes, row houses, or multiple family dwellings.
In most conventional modern houses, the main living room and kitchen are combined with a bathroom and a bedroom. Some houses have other buildings like a garage or backyard. These may have plumbing and air conditioning systems. Detached houses are located close to town or entertainment.
Houses can be constructed from bricks, concrete, or wood. The latter are more durable and long lasting. Bamboo houses are popular in Asia, where they are resistant to earthquakes.
Houses are also used for various purposes. In some countries, they are expensive. Sometimes, they are built for conspicuous wealth. Besides being a place to live, houses can also serve as a way to demonstrate support for energy conservation.
One of the best known examples of houses is the Louvre. It was once a royal palace, but today it is an art gallery.
While most people think of houses as places to live, they can be more akin to boats. There is also an awe-inspiring palace in London. When a building is designed well, it can be seen as an example of wealth.
Houses are often named, but they do not necessarily have proper names. The House of Tudor was a royal family in England. Other famous houses include the Louvre and the Buckingham Palace.
Houses can be very large and complex. They can have hundreds of rooms. Some houses have several levels, while others have only one level. Depending on the region, they can be made from various materials. Usually, the material that is used is local.
Another type of house is the microhouse, a small hut or building that is only big enough to hold a few people. Often, these houses are occupied by a group of housemates. Many poor families have just one room. Their houses are made from local materials or second-hand materials.
Houses are usually numbered. This allows for more systematic identification. Also, a properly named house can have a few emotional connotations. For instance, the House of Howards End may have a special significance to the owner.
Another example is the House of Majority and Minority Leaders. This includes the Speaker of the House and the Majority and Minority Whips. Both are elected every two years. Each of the three positions is responsible for initiating bills, holding public hearings, and alerting the committees of the jurisdiction of a particular bill.
A more comprehensive description of the House is provided by the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. It is fourth edition.
The House is a relatively efficient legislative body. Because the majority rule ensures that a bill will make it to the floor, the House is able to move legislation through the process faster than a smaller body would.