President Frank Underwood (a ruthless politician) faces low approval ratings and congressional gridlock as he pushes his ambitious "America Works" jobs program. His wife, Claire Underwood (the First Lady with her own political aspirations), seeks to become the UN Ambassador. Meanwhile, Doug Stamper (Frank's fiercely loyal former Chief of Staff) is revealed to be alive and recovering from severe injuries, desperately trying to return to Frank's side. The core premise sees Frank struggling to consolidate his power and legacy while Claire pursues her own independent political path, often clashing with her husband.

Frank faces significant political challenges, including a Democratic mutiny and the constant undermining by Russian President Petrov, who undermines Frank at every turn. Claire's bid for UN Ambassador is fraught with difficulty, culminating in a disastrous trip to Moscow where an imprisoned American, Michael Corrigan, commits suicide using Claire's scarf, creating a deep rift between the Underwoods. Frank's "America Works" program ultimately fails when he is forced to sign a FEMA bill, effectively killing America Works. Doug Stamper, after a period of working for Frank's rival, Heather Dunbar, proves his loyalty by destroying incriminating evidence and is reinstated as Chief of Staff.

The season concludes with Doug tracking down and murdering Rachel, a loose end from past seasons. Claire, increasingly disillusioned by Frank's dominance and their manipulative life, confronts him and abandons Frank just before the crucial New Hampshire primary, leaving their marriage and political partnership in jeopardy.

Season 3 of House of Cards covers episodes 1-13. Here's everything that happened:

Season 3, Episode 1: Chapter 27 - Frank Underwood, now President, faces low approval ratings and congressional gridlock while pushing his "America Works" jobs program. Claire pursues her ambition to become the UN Ambassador. Doug Stamper is revealed to be alive, recovering from his injuries and desperately seeking to return to Frank's side, battling addiction. The episode concludes with Frank authorizing an airstrike in Yemen, witnessed by Claire, solidifying their ruthless partnership.

Season 3, Episode 2: Chapter 28 - Frank faces a Democratic mutiny; party leaders want him to drop out of the 2016 race. Claire's UN ambassadorship bid falters after a damaging comment. They struggle, but Claire initiates "I-can-make-you-feel-better sex" with Frank. Frank agrees not to seek re-election and makes a bold address. Claire loses the confirmation vote but still asks Frank for a recess appointment.

Season 3, Episode 3: Chapter 29 - Frank Underwood hosts Russian President Petrov, seeking his support for a Middle East peace plan. Petrov declines and undermines Frank at every turn, even kissing Claire. Claire and Cathy Durant bond over drinks and discuss bypassing Russia in the UN. Frank, inspired by Pussy Riot, decides to stand up to Petrov and pursue peace without him.

Season 3, Episode 4: Chapter 30 - Heather Dunbar defends the government's drone strike policy before the Supreme Court. Frank offers Dunbar a Supreme Court seat to eliminate her as a presidential threat, but she declines and announces her presidential candidacy. Ayla Sayyad loses her White House credentials. Frank, struggling with justice, spits on a Jesus statue, causing it to shatter. Stamper offers to work for Dunbar.

Season 3, Episode 5: Chapter 31 - Frank declares war on Congress to push his America Works program, diverting FEMA funds. Claire maneuvers against the Russian Ambassador regarding a peacekeeping resolution. Stamper offers Dunbar damaging information about Claire. The episode concludes with the Underwoods at a Fourth of July celebration as Freddy reappears, seeking a job with America Works.

Season 3, Episode 6: Chapter 32 - Frank and Claire travel to Moscow to negotiate the release of an imprisoned American, Michael Corrigan. Claire's unexpected stance against Petrov jeopardizes the deal. Corrigan commits suicide in his cell using Claire's scarf. At the press conference, Claire reveals the truth and shames Petrov. This leads to a major fight with Frank, highlighting a deep rift in their marriage.

Season 3, Episode 7: Chapter 33 - The episode uses flashbacks to show the reconciliation of Frank and Claire after their fight. Claire dyes her hair brown, symbolizing a fresh start. Frank undermines Claire in a cabinet meeting regarding the UN resolution. Doug gets closer to finding Rachel. The episode concludes with Frank gifting Claire a photo of a sand mandala, signifying that nothing is forever except them.

Season 3, Episode 8: Chapter 34 - As Hurricane Faith threatens the East Coast, Frank faces a dilemma: fund FEMA or save his America Works program. He meets with Freddy Hayes, now a dishwasher, and offers him a job as a groundskeeper. Doug manipulates Heather and Jackie's campaigns. Ultimately, Frank signs the FEMA bill, effectively killing America Works. The hurricane shifts course, and no major damage occurs.

Season 3, Episode 9: Chapter 35 - Frank's campaign is picking up steam, but the Jordan Valley erupts in chaos after eight Russian soldiers are killed. Claire gets disturbing intel suggesting Russia orchestrated the attack. Doug learns of Rachel's death, sending him into a spiral and relapse. The episode concludes with a failed covert mission into the blast zone and one American soldier killed.

Season 3, Episode 10: Chapter 36 - Frank meets with Petrov in Jordan Valley, where Petrov demands Claire's resignation as U.N. Ambassador. Frank relays this demand to Claire, who agrees to step down. Meanwhile, Doug connects with his brother's family, and Gavin reveals his true identity to Lisa. The episode concludes with Claire agreeing to change her hairstyle to better support Frank's campaign.

Season 3, Episode 11: Chapter 37 - The episode centers on the first debate between Frank, Heather, and Jackie, which turns ugly as Frank pressures Jackie to attack Dunbar. Claire campaigns in Iowa, and reveals marital doubts. Gavin informs Doug that Rachel is alive. Remy resigns after Jackie, feeling betrayed, endorses Dunbar..

Season 3, Episode 12: Chapter 38 - With Dunbar gaining in the polls, the Underwoods leverage Claire's popularity in Iowa. Dunbar seeks to derail Frank's campaign by threatening to reveal Claire's abortion lie. Doug proves his loyalty by burning the journal and is reinstated as Frank's Chief of Staff. The episode concludes with Claire questioning their lies to each other, hinting at a potential split.

Season 3, Episode 13: Chapter 39 - Frank wins the Iowa caucus while Claire avoids his calls and requests Yates's presence. Doug tracks down Rachel, who is living under the name Cassie Lockheart, and murders her. Claire confronts Frank, stating she's leaving him due to his power dominance. The episode concludes with Claire abandoning Frank before the New Hampshire primary.