How many commissioners make up the SEC?

The correct answer is that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is comprised of five commissioners. This structure is established by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which created the SEC. Each commissioner is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The five-member commission helps ensure a diverse range of perspectives and expertise in the SEC's decision-making process. The appointment structure is designed to maintain a balance of political party representation; typically, no more than three commissioners can belong to the same political party, which promotes a more equitable approach to regulation and oversight in financial markets. This composition is integral to the Commission's ability to serve the public interest effectively while regulating the securities industry.