ag.algebraic geometry - Find Vandermonde data to satisfy V*1=p

I would like to state something about the existence of solutions $x_1,x_2,dots,x_n in mathbb{R}$ to the set of equations

$sum_{j=1}^n x_j^k = np_k$, $k=1,2,dots,m$

for suitable constants $p_k$. By "suitable", I mean that there are some basic requirements that the $p_k$ clearly need to satisfy for there to be any solutions at all ($p_{2k} ge p_k^2$, e.g.).

There are many ways to view this question: find the coordinates $(x_1,dots,x_n)$ in $n$-space where all these geometric structures (hyperplane, hypersphere, etc.) intersect. Or, one can see this as determining the $x_j$ necessary to generate the truncated Vandermonde matrix $V$ (without the row of 1's) such that $V{bf 1} = np$ where ${bf 1} = (1,1,dots,1)^T$ and $p = (p_1,dots,p_m)^T$.

I'm not convinced one way or the other that there has to be a solution when one has $m$ degrees of freedom $x_1,dots,x_m$ (same as number of equations). In fact, it would be interesting to even be able to prove that for finite number $m$ equations $k=1,2,dots,m$ that one could find $x_1,dots,x_n$ for bounded $n$ (that is, the number of data points required does not blow up).

A follow on question would be to ask if requiring ordered solutions, i.e. $x_1 le x_2 le dots le x_n$, makes the solution unique for the cases when there is a solution.

Note: $m=2$ is easy. There is at least one solution = the point(s) where a line intersects a circle given that $p_2 ge p_1^2$.

Any pointers on this topic would be helpful -- especially names of problems resembling it.