Backdrop image for movie The Congress

The Congress (1989)

For 200 years, the United States Congress has been one of the country's most important and least understood institutions. In this elegant, thoughtful and often touching portrait, Ken Burns explores the history and promise of this unique American institution. Using historical photographs and newsreels, evocative live footage and interviews with David Broder, Alistair Cooke, Cokie Roberts, Charles McDowell and others, the award-winning film chronicles the personalities, events and issues that have animated the first 200 years of Congress and, in turn, our country.

  • Documentary
  • History

Top billed cast

  • Photo of David McCulloughDavid McCulloughSelf - Writer / Narrator
  • Photo of Cokie RobertsCokie RobertsSelf - Journalist
  • Photo of Alistair CookeAlistair CookeSelf - Journalist
  • Photo of Arthur MillerArthur MillerSelf
  • Photo of Charles McDowellCharles McDowellSelf - Newspaperman
  • Photo of Barbara FieldsBarbara FieldsSelf - Historian
  • Photo of John C. StennisJohn C. StennisSelf - Former Senator
  • Photo of David BroderDavid BroderSelf - Reporter
  • Photo of George TamesGeorge TamesSelf - Photographer
  • Photo of James MacGregor BurnsJames MacGregor BurnsSelf - Historian

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