Biographical Directory of the United States Congress facts for kids
The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress is like a special encyclopedia about everyone who has ever been a part of the United States Congress. It lists all the people who have served in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
This directory also includes members of the Continental Congress, which was an important group of leaders before the United States officially became a country. It even has information about delegates from U.S. territories and special representatives from places like the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
What is the U.S. Congress?
The United States Congress is the main law-making group for the country. It's made up of two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The Senate has 100 members, with two from each state.
- The House of Representatives has 435 members, and the number from each state depends on its population.
These people are elected by citizens to represent their states and districts. Their main job is to create and vote on laws that affect everyone in the country.
Why is the Directory Important?
The Biographical Directory of the United States Congress is a very useful tool for many reasons.
- History Book: It helps us learn about the lives of past leaders. We can find out when they were born, where they went to school, and what jobs they had before joining Congress.
- Research Tool: Historians, students, and anyone interested in American government can use it to research specific politicians or learn about the history of Congress.
- Official Record: It keeps an official record of everyone who has served. This makes sure we don't forget the people who helped shape the country.
How the Directory is Used
Imagine you want to know about a famous person who served in Congress a long time ago. This directory can tell you:
- When they served in Congress.
- Which state or territory they represented.
- Important events in their political career.
It's like a giant database that helps us understand the people behind the laws and decisions that have guided the United States for centuries.
