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The Congress

The Congress

Season 1 Episode 1 | 1hr 29m 18s

For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews, Ken Burns chronicles the events that have shaped the first 200 years of congress and, in turn, our country.

Aired: 03/19/89
Funding Provided by: General Motors Corporation; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; PBS; Ameritech
Extras
Watch • 4:45
The Congress
The Engine of Democracy
The United States Congress is known as “the engine of democracy.”
Clip: 4:45
Watch • 2:38
The Congress
The Most Recognizable Building in America
The United States Capitol is a building in which countless historical decisions were made.
Clip: 2:38
Watch • 2:34
The Congress
The 17th Amendment
The amendment transferred the election of senators from state legislators to the people.
Clip: 2:34
Watch • 0:38
The Congress
Importance of the First Congress
David Broder talks about the importance of the first congress.
Clip: 0:38
Watch • 0:30
The Congress
The Real Reason Members Vote For or Against Legislation
David McCullough talks about the real reason members vote for or against legislation.
Clip: 0:30