The Records of Congress
Primary Sources and Online Activities about the Legislative Branch
Teaching with the Records of Congress
The Center for Legislative Archives—part of the National Archives—maintains some of the most historically valuable documents created by the federal government: the records of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Educators can use these historical documents to teach about representative democracy, how Congress works, and the important role Congress has played throughout American history.
COVER IMAGES
Left Column (Top to Bottom) “Gag Rule” Resolution, Congress Will Come to Order, Oath of Senators for Bill Clinton’s Impeachment Trial.
Right Column (Top to Bottom) President Barack Obama’s 2011 State of the Union Address, 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, Credentials of Hiram Revels, A Capitol Hill May Day Parade.
Explore the Records
Teaching Activities
The Legislative Process: Congress at Work
Analyzing a Petition about Slavery
Analyzing Anti-Slavery Petitions
Analyzing a Gag Rule Petition
