The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: House of Representatives
Read a brief synopsis of the House of Representatives in the Legislative Branch, and then complete the short quiz to check for understanding.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Legislative Branch
This site designed for students, clearly describes congressional powers and provides excellent accompanying links.
Other
President Gerald Ford's Special Message to Congress
Learn about the working relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government through Ford's address to Congress in 1976 addressing the need for improvements to programs for the elderly.
American Rhetoric
American Rhetoric: Lyndon Baines Johnson: "We Shall Overcome" Congress Address
This is the text and audio of President Lyndon Baines Johnson addressing a Joint Session of Congress on voting legislation on March 15, 1965 in Washington D.C.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Legislative Branch: The Veto
Learn about the President's power to veto a bill, and understand how Congress responds when this happens.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Three Branches of Government
Each of the three branches of the United States government is described - the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.
Other
Us Congress: Congress, the Court, and the Constitution
Transcript of a congressional hearing, held in 1994, to discuss whether Congress had given too much power to the Supreme Court, against the express intent of the Founding Fathers. This transcript is lengthy but informative, containing...
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: Women in Congress
A woman didn't serve in Congress until 1917. Even with this late start, women have had a profound impact on our legislative system. Read the following short synopsis and click on the interactive map that shows the number of women from...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Woodrow Wilson: Legislative Victories
Read a review of Woodrow's first years as president and his success at getting his progressive platform passed in Congress.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: La Follet's Autobiography
Robert La Follette, Progressive Wisconsin legislator, wrote his autobiography, focusing on his work for Progressive issues. Read the autobiography here on this Library of Congress site.
Other
U.s. House of Representatives: The Legislative Process
Learn about the House of Representatives and how it carries out its responsibilities and duties according to the U.S. Constitution.
Other
Dirksen Congressional Center: Congressional Timeline
The title does not give this site its just due. This is an amazing site that provides information on every Congress beginning with the 73rd (1933-35). The timeline features "partisan composition, the presidential administration, a list...
Other
Eurosur.org: Poder Legislativo
Description of the Legislative Body of Venezuela before the new Constitution came into effect. It describes the former bicameral legislature.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The Reach of Congressional Power
Read about the privileges and powers exercised by Congress from a constitutional law perspective. Includes examples of many cases which have tested the limits of Congressional power in the history of the United States. Many links to...
Other
The Dirksen Congressional Center
An effective site that provides non-partisan information concerning Congress and its leaders. The website includes CongressLink, up-to-date information on the US Congress; Congress for Kids, an excellent resource for younger students on...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Other
Committee on Rules u.s. House of Representatives
This resource describes the Committee on Rules as an arm of the leadership of both parties, the committee is at the center of both political and legislative battles. The role of this committee has changed over time.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Legislatures: Laying Down the Law
This ambitious unit examines the various levels of legislature from federal to municipal, the wants of constituents versus what the legislators feel is right, and the need for compromise. Offers video, activities, and related resources.
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Congressional Record
The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. Successful navigation of the site take knowledge of the GPO's navigation code. An important hint for when looking up a specific...
iCivics
I Civics: Games: Lawcraft
Interactive game that takes the student through the law-making process. Pick a member of Congress and an issue, then see what is necessary to get the bill passed and made into law.
Other
Office of the Clerk: u.s. House of Representatives
Official site for the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives includes information on: legislative activities, information on the Clerk's office, committee information, art and history of the House, historical...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights I
This is the first PDF in a four-part series on the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the history and chronology of the passage of the Bill of Rights. Vivid pictures, primary source documents, and a timeline are provided. [PDF]
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress and Bill of Rights in History and Today
Students will understand the origin of the Bill of Rights by studying primary sources tracing the development of these amendments. Students will gain an understanding of basic rights and discuss possible additions to the Bill of Rights...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress at Work: Presidential Veto
The veto process is an integral part of our checks and balances. Introduce the power of the presidential veto and override to a class using an example from President Nixon's administration. Materials include the Constitution, worksheets,...