Congress

Overhead view of Joe Biden speaking in the Chamber of the House of Representatives (© Jim Lo Scalzo/AP)

Who sits where during a State of the Union speech? [infographic]

The three branches of the U.S. government get together each year to hear the president give the State of the Union address. Who comes and where do they sit?
People walking outside U.S. Capitol building (© Patrick Semansky/AP)

How do major political parties split control of Congress?

It's not unusual for the major political parties to split control of Congress or of Congress and the White House. In fact, voters like it!
U.S. Capitol building (© Shutterstock.com)

What are midterm elections, and why are they important?

Although Americans won't elect a president in the 2018 midterm elections, their choices will have a big effect on the country's direction.
Audience member waving small Ukrainian flag as Joe Biden addresses Congress (© Saul Loeb/AP Images)

Biden salutes Ukrainians’ resolve in State of the Union

In his first State of the Union address to Congress, the president highlighted how the U.S. and partners are united behind Ukraine.
Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol at sunrise (© Carolyn Kaster/AP Images)

How does the U.S. census affect Congress?

The United States uses the census every 10 years to determine how the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives will be divided among the states.
Infographic explaining five steps to becoming a U.S. ambassador (State Dept./H. Efrem)

Steps to becoming a U.S. ambassador [infographic]

Being asked by the president to represent America as ambassador to another nation is the job and honor of a lifetime. Learn how one becomes an ambassador.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaking from behind lectern while seated woman raises her hand (© Alex Brandon/AP Images)

America strives for open government

An open government is vital to democracy. Learn how the U.S. government ensures the public has access to information supporting its decisions.
Illustration of a man swearing in before a Senate hearing (State Dept./Doug Thompson)

How does Senate confirmation work?

Before nominees for Cabinet positions can start work, they have one important hurdle to clear: the Senate confirmation process.
Graphic showing number of members of U.S. Congress broken down by political party (State Dept./Helen Efrem)

Shifts in the new U.S. Congress [infographic]

The 117th U.S. Congress broke a number of records, with more women and minorities representing districts and states around the country.