LibGuides: Congress: Media

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The Congress (1:49:00) For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.
Congress: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Affects You (1:06:00) Here's a video that gives your students a complete look at how Congress works. They'll meet some well-known Congressmen and enjoy lively narrative from a respected historian. Students learn about the powers of Congress as outlined in Article II of the Constitution. They'll see how Congress is organized, the role of the speaker of the house, the roles of the majority leader of the Senate, how the committee system works and how appointments are made. Interviews with well-known Senate figures give students firsthand insight into how legislation is initiated, the function of committees and subcommittees, how the House and Senate leadership work, presidential approval, the presidential veto, overriding a veto, how lobbyists work. Focusing on people who have served in the House and Senate, this video presents a brief history of Congress including short sketches about how these individuals added to or detracted from the power and prestige of Congress. Finally, the video gives students a true taste of what Congressional life is like when a Senator gives a personal tour of a typical day 'on the hill.'
The Continental Congress (2:00) The Continental Congress was short-lived, but the role that it played in helping America to become an independent democracy can never be forgotten.
A Day in the Life of a Representative (29:00) The 535 elected U.S. Senators and Representatives carry with them the desires and opinions of over 200 million Americans. Congress is often accused of being out of touch with the people—but what does the system demand of them? Is there enough time in the day to satisfy all of the varied interests and mandates of the job? This program explores the world through the eyes of those we elect. From the political meetings to the social functions to the time spent campaigning, this program examines what politicians really do—and have to endure—in Washington. Among those featured on the program are Rep. Tim Roemer (D-IN), and Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC).
A Day in the Life of a Senator (29:00) Congress plays a vital role in hammering out the policies that shape everyday life. Why then do so many Americans feel that it exists in a world of its own, out of touch with the very constituencies that elected them in the first place? This program scrutinizes the political landscape through the eyes of America’s elected elite, presenting firsthand what politicians really do—and endure—both in Washington and in their represented states. Featured Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) speak out on topics including whether bipartisan cooperation is possible in the Clinton post-impeachment era.
Evolution of the Congress (29:00) The United States Congress is among the most influential political bodies in the world. While it adheres steadfastly to many procedures and traditions, Congress is nonetheless a markedly different institution today than might have been envisioned by our Founding Fathers. This program examines how the legislative branch of the government has evolved, exploring the intended purpose of Congress and what challenges it faces in trying to remain an essential part of our democracy. Experts featured in the program include Dick Baker, Senate Historian; Ray Smock, former Historian of the House; and Dr. Michael Gillette of the Center for Legislative Archives.
U.S. Government How It Works Series: The Legislative Branch (26:00) Although the office of the president personifies American leadership, the legislative branch was actually designed to hold at least as much power as the executive, if not more. Many Founding Fathers envisioned Congress as the primary governing body, given its closeness, politically speaking, to the people. This program examines the origins, history, and activities of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Topics include the roots of today’s legislative branch in the Continental Congress of the Revolutionary period; the reasons why a bicameral legislature was ultimately deemed necessary; the unique characteristics of both legislative chambers; the specific functions of Congress, from writing and passing bills to ratifying treaties to declaring war; and more.

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