The Congress
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.
Episodes
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The Congress
S1 E1 - 1h 29m
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.
Extras + Features
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The Most Recognizable Building in America
S1 E1 - 2m 38s
Completed in 1800, the United States Capitol is perhaps the most recognizable building in America — it is a building in which countless historical decisions have been made.
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The 17th Amendment
S1 E1 - 2m 34s
The 63rd Congress was the last Congress before the 17th Amendment transferred the election of senators from the state legislators to the people — the greatest single change in Congress’ history.
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Introduction to "The Congress": The Engine of Democracy
S1 E1 - 4m 45s
The United States Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is known as “the engine of democracy.”
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Importance of the First Congress
S1 E1 - 38s
David Broder talks about the importance of the first congress.
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The Real Reason Members Vote For or Against Legislation
S1 E1 - 30s
David McCullough talks about the real reason members vote for or against legislation.
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