How many commissioners are appointed to the Securities and Exchange Commission?

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is governed by a structure that includes five commissioners. This composition is outlined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which established the SEC to regulate the securities markets and protect investors. The commissioners are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. An important aspect of this structure is that no more than three commissioners can belong to the same political party, ensuring a level of bipartisan representation within the commission. This diverse composition is designed to promote balanced decision-making and oversight of securities regulation.

Understanding this structure is crucial in comprehending how the SEC operates and influences the financial market landscape. Other options suggesting a different number of commissioners do not align with the established size of the SEC and would imply a misrepresentation of the regulatory body's governance.