This portrait of the United States Congress explores the history and promise of one of the country’s most important and least understood institutions. It tells the story of the Capitol building itself – including its burning by the British in the War of 1812 and its completion in the midst of the Civil War – and chronicles the extraordinary personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, the country.

A Film By
KEN BURNS

Written By
DAVID McCULLOUGH
BERNARD A. WEISBERGER

Produced By
KEN BURNS
STEPHEN IVES

Edited By
SALLY JO MENKE

Cinematography
KEN BURNS
ALLEN MOORE
BUDDY SQUIRES

Narrated By
DAVID McCULLOUGH

KEN BURNS AMERICAN STORIES SERIES UNDERWRITERS
General Motors Corporation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS

THE CONGRESS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER
Ameritech

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Original Broadcast March 1989

Film Honors:
• CINE Golden Eagle Award, 1989
• Red Ribbon, American Film Festival, 1989
• Silver Apple National Educational Film Festival, 1989
• World Premier, National Theatre, Washington D. C. (before the House and Senate),
   March 13, 1989