LibGuides: Congress: Primary Sources

Primary Sources

COM Library has some great collections of primary sources. Primary sources are records created at the time of an event or experience, or as told by people who were present at the event. Must access on campus or login with your COM account for off campus access.

Want more on finding primary sources? Try Tips for Finding Primary Sources or Tips for Finding Primary Sources Open Access.

Landmark Documents on the U. S. Congress Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress is CQ's single-volume treasury of primary sources that explores the institution of Congress and political life and history of the United States. Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress covers more than two centuries of events that have shaped the development of the legislative branch of government and the contours of American history as reflected in the actions of Congress. The book opens a fascinating window on the history of the United States and the people, events, and powers that have shaped that history across more than two centuries. A rich storehouse of first-hand accounts, debates and reflections, this unique standard reference work gives rare insights and fascinating behind-the-scenes views of the Congress and the nation throughout its history. It includes material on the conduct of senators and representatives, the origins and development of the Congress, and congressional procedures and reform efforts. Drawing from thousands of volumes of the Congressional Record, from special government reports, private letters, and a host of other sources, some never before published, Smock uses his considerable expertise as an historian and his insider knowledge of the Congress to select key documents, edit them, and put them in context. The book provides more than 150 important historical documents arranged in chronological order and introduced by individual headnotes that offer valuable interpretation and context. In addition to the headnote introductions to the individual documents, Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress also includes an introductory essay, a bibliography on Congress, and an index.

More Primary Sources

Here are more primary sources. Must access on campus or login with your COM account for off campus access.

Check Open Access for primary sources that anyone can access.