Episodes
-
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
-
The 17th Amendment
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.
-
The Engine of Democracy
4m 45s
The United States Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is known as “the engine of democracy.”
-
The Most Recognizable Building in America
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.
-
The Real Reason Members Vote For or Against Legislation
30s
David McCullough talks about the real reason members vote for or against legislation.
-
Importance of the First Congress
38s
David Broder talks about the importance of the first congress.
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.
Similar Shows
Rogue History
History
Ken Burns UNUM
History
Harbor from the Holocaust
History
8 Days: To the Moon and Back
History
Kennedy Package
History
First Civilizations
History
The Vietnam War
History
American Experience
History