Frequently asked questions  

U.S. Government and Politics 

How many members of Congress are there, and how long are their terms of office?
The U.S. Congress is bicameral, composed of two bodies, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Senate has 100 members: two senators for each of the fifty states. Senators are elected for six years. One third of the Senate is elected every two years. The House of Representatives comprises 435 Representatives. The number representing each state is determined by the population, but every state is entitled to one representative. Representatives are elected every two years. A Resident Commissioner for Puerto Rico, and Delegates from American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands complete the composition of Congress. The Resident Commissioner and Delegates have no vote in the full House but they do vote in the committees to which they were assigned.

Which is the "upper" house in Congress?
Neither. By virtue of its smaller membership, the longer term of office for its members and higher age requirement, the Senate perhaps conveys a more prestigious image than the House of Representatives and while many Representatives leave the House to run for the Senate the reverse rarely happens. However they are of equal rank in most matters. The Constitution has given each some specific responsibilities. For example the House originates all revenue bills, it elects the President if the Electoral College fails to do so and it recommends impeachment of federal officials. The Senate has the power to confirm executive appointments and recommend treaty ratification and it is the chamber, which has the power to convict on impeachment charges.

How does a Congressional bill become Federal law?
This complicated process is explained in the House of Representatives document “How Our Laws are Made”. Broadly speaking, a proposed law, whether initially introduced in the House or the Senate, and some bills are introduced in both houses simultaneously, must be passed by both the House and the Senate, in exactly the same form, and then approved by the President, before becoming law.

What is the current membership of the U.S. Cabinet and what other departments comprise the Executive branch?
This information is available in detail at the U.S. Government’s official web portal. 

How can I obtain a list of addresses for all U.S. embassies and consulates?
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts. Guide for Business Representatives lists the contact details for all United States embassies and consulates worldwide, with the names of key officers