USCIS 128:29. Name your U.S. representative.

OpenAI. (2026).  Name your U.S. representative.  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Your U.S. House of Representative is elected to speak for your community and help make federal laws.

The correct answer depends on where you live, so answers will vary. To find your representative, you can visit house.gov and enter your ZIP code. The website will show the name of your current U.S. representative.

USCIS 128: Why does each state have two senators?

OpenAI. (2026).  Why does each state have two senators?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

 Each state has two U.S. senators so that all states have equal representation in the Senate. This means small states and large states have the same number of senators. For example, a small state like Vermont has two senators, and a large state like California also has two senators. This system helps protect the voices of smaller states.

This idea comes from the Great Compromise, also called the Connecticut Compromise, made during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The compromise created two parts of Congress: the Senate, where each state has equal representation, and the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population.

US Citizenship Resources for Presidents' Day post 

USCIS 128:27. How many senators does each state have?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many senators does each state have?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Each state has two U.S. senators. It does not matter if the state is large or small. Every state gets the same number of senators.

This system helps make representation fair in the Senate. Since there are 50 states, there are 100 senators total in the United States Senate.

USCIS 128:26. Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?

OpenAI. (2026).  Why do U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

U.S. representatives serve shorter terms than U.S. senators because they are meant to stay closely connected to the people. A representative serves for two years, so voters can choose new representatives more often if they want change.

U.S. senators serve six-year terms, which are longer. The longer term helps senators focus on long-term national issues. The shorter term in the House makes the House of Representatives more responsive to the public and current events.

USCIS 128:25. How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

A term for a member of the House of Representatives is two years. This means representatives serve for two years before they must run for re-election.

Because the term is short, members of the House are elected often. This helps the House stay closely connected to the people and allows voters to choose their representatives regularly.

USCIS 128:24. How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

OpenAI. (2026).  How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?  [AI-generated infographic]. Everviz.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The House of Representatives is one part of the U.S. Congress. It has 435 voting members. These members are called representatives.

As of February 2026, the congressional seating chart shows the 435 voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each dot on the chart represents one member seated in the House. The dots are arranged in a half-circle to show how the House is organized.

In this chart, there are 214 Democratic members, shown as gray dots, and 218 Republican members, shown as black dots. The chart also shows three vacant seats, represented by light gray dots. These vacant seats mean that three House seats did not have an elected representative at that time.

The seating chart helps people quickly see which political party has more members. Since Republicans had 218 seats, they held a small majority in the House in February 2026.

USCIS 128:23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?

OpenAI. (2026).  Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The question “Who is one of your state’s U.S. senators now?” asks you to name one current U.S. senator from the state where you live. Each state has two U.S. senators, so you can answer with either name. Because senators change over time, the correct answer depends on your state, so answers will vary.

To find the correct answer, you can visit Senate.gov. On the website, use the drop-down menu to select your state. The names of your state’s current U.S. senators will appear.

If you live in Washington, D.C. or a U.S. territory (such as Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa), the answer is different. These places do not have U.S. senators. In that case, you should say that D.C. (or your territory) has no U.S. senators.

 

USCIS 128:22. How long is a term for a U.S. senator?

OpenAI. (2026).  How long is a term for a U.S. senator?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

 A term for a U.S. senator is six years. This means a senator serves in the Senate for six years before running for re-election.

Senators are elected on a regular schedule. Elections happen every two years, but not all senators run at the same time. About one-third of the Senate is elected every two years. This system helps the Senate stay stable while still allowing voters to choose new senators often.

Learn more: 

USCIS 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)

One Nation, One People (2025 Version)

USCIS 100 Civics Questions and Answers (2008 version)

One Nation, One People (2024) original fomat | single page reformat