The Congress

"Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty.  Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something.  And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting." (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)

Originally called "The Continental Congress", the United States Congress was established in 1789.  It has the power to pass laws, declare war, admit new states to the Union, post roads, establish post offices, and collect taxes.  Composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Congress also oversees the Executive Branch and has the power to impeach the President.

The Congress meets in the Capitol, one of the biggest symbols of democracy in America.  In his documentary The Congress, Ken Burns widely quotes the Frank Capra movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.  The main character, a new senator played by Jimmy Stewart, takes on corruption in the Congress:  "Get up there with that lady that's up on top of this Capitol dome, that lady that stands for liberty.  Take a look at this country through her eyes if you really want to see something.  And you won't just see scenery; you'll see the whole parade of what Man's carved out for himself, after centuries of fighting."

According to Ken Burns, the United States Congress has been one of the country's "most important and yet least understood institutions".  The aim of the congress is to provide checks and balances for the President.  Presidents have had varied relationships with Congress over the last 200 plus years.  Andrew Johnson was the only president to be impeached, although Richard Nixon came close.  While John F. Kennedy came up against resistance by the Congress to pass bills, his successor Lyndon Johnson was known for his Great Reform.  In the aftermath of 9/11, George Bush Jr. was given free reign to counter terrorism.  More recently, Barack Obama has had an icy relationship with Congress.

Members of the 43rd Congress stand on the steps of the Capitol courtesy http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/congress/about/.