Congress

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.
President Biden signing documents while two people stand behind him (© Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP/Getty Images)

What is an executive order?

Executive orders, issued to help the executive branch carry out its duties, have the force of law. They can be struck down by the courts or overwritten.
Dorothy Height sitting and receiving medal in case while surrounded by people (© Stephen Jaffe/AFP/Getty Images)

America’s most prestigious awards

Find out how the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom were established and who may receive them.
John Lewis sitting in an office (© Jeff Hutchens/Getty Images)

From civil rights activist to member of Congress: Remembering John Lewis

Civil rights hero John Lewis passed away July 17, after battling cancer since December. Learn more about his life and legacy here.
Illustration showing talking bubbles connected to map of United States (State Dept./D. Thompson)

To count everyone, U.S. census is in many languages

The United States' 2020 census is being offered in numerous languages other than English. See how the Census Bureau is ensuring everyone is counted.
Drawings of hands and buildings (State Dept./S. Gemeny Wilkinson)

Trump’s 2021 pro-growth budget proposal

Learn about President Trump's 2021 budget, which, if enacted, would continue the United States on a path of economic growth.
Illustration of buildings with arrows leading to others of different sizes and people (State Dept./Doug Thompson)

Federal government: More than the White House and Congress

Learn more about the federal government in the United States. This article is part of a three-part series on how federalism works in America.
President Trump standing, with other people around him (D. Myles Cullen/White House)

Meet the guests for the State of the Union address

The 11 people invited to President Trump's third State of the Union address include a 2-year-old survivor, an Army veteran and a Border Patrol official.
Large group of men and women standing with right hands raised (© Al Drago/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Get to know the 116th Congress

In four graphics, we take a look at the 116th Congress, including the historic number of women, as well as a bit about their backgrounds.