History of Congress and the Capitol
This is the story of one of the world's great experiments in government by the people.
For more than two centuries, a new Congress has convened every two years following elections that determine all the seats in the House and one-third of those in the Senate. While the individuals change, the institution has endured-through civil and world wars, waves of immigration and great migrations, and continuous social and technological change.
The Congress we know today was created after the failure of a government under the Articles of Confederation, which left most powers to the states. In 1787, a convention of specially selected delegates proposed a new constitution that strengthened the national government and established a representative branch composed of a House and Senate.
From the beginning, the two bodies of Congress were meant to be different, yet interdependent. James Madison said they would be "as little connected with each other, as the nature of their common functions, and their common dependence on society, will admit." As a result, the House and Senate have different rules, traditions, and cultures. Yet in their shared responsibilities they function as the nation's single lawmaking body.
Flexibility in meeting change is vital to the success of American democracy. And seldom has change come so quickly as in this era.
After World War II, veterans returned home eager to find jobs and start families. The postwar baby boom, combined with immigration, doubled the U.S. population over the next half century, increasing demands for schools, housing, and goods; and economic growth was unprecedented. In order to expand the benefits of American freedom and prosperity, Congress passed laws aiding the elderly, disabled, and poor, as well as historic civil rights legislation.
A four-decade Cold War shaped American foreign policy in the last half of the 20th century. Troops fought wars in Korea and Vietnam, and were stationed around the globe. When the Cold War ended, America faced new regional conflicts, as well as the growth of global terrorism. Confronting the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world, the American people continued to express their views within this singular forum of representative democracy—the Congress of the United States.
 Today the Capitol, enlarged and enhancedToday the Capitol, enlarged and enhanced with a new visitor center, remains a forum for representative democracy in a changing world. Architect of the Capitol |
 The atom bomb—here tested on Bikini Island, 1946The atom bomb—here tested on Bikini Island, 1946 —was an ever-looming Cold War threat, fueling the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. |
 Under the Marshall PlanUnder the Marshall Plan, the United States provided aid to Europe for recovery after World War II. © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS |
 The United States and its allies airlifted suppliesThe United States and its allies airlifted supplies to West Berlin during the Soviet blockade, 1948. Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress |
 When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, U.S.-led United Nations forces responded.When North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, U.S.-led United Nations forces responded. © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS |
 Millions of World War II and Korean War veterans furthered their education, thanks to the GI Bill.Millions of World War II and Korean War veterans furthered their education, thanks to the GI Bill. New York World Telegram and Sun Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress |
 Through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United States and its European allies pledged mutual defense and peacekeeping.Through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United States and its European allies pledged mutual defense and peacekeeping. AP/Wide World Photos |
 The 1950s witnessed a rush to the suburbs, with new housing developments like Levittown, Pennsylvania.The 1950s witnessed a rush to the suburbs, with new housing developments like Levittown, Pennsylvania. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. |
 The Interstate Highway Act of 1956 created a nationwide network for fast, uninterrupted travel.The Interstate Highway Act of 1956 created a nationwide network for fast, uninterrupted travel. D.C. Public Library, Star Collection, Copyright Washington Post |
 Ambassador Adlai Stevenson presented evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba to the U.N. Security Council, 1962.Ambassador Adlai Stevenson presented evidence of Soviet missiles in Cuba to the U.N. Security Council, 1962. © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS |
 Thousands joined Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall in 1963 to demand jobs, freedom, and civil rights for African-Americans.Thousands joined Martin Luther King, Jr. on the National Mall in 1963 to demand jobs, freedom, and civil rights for African-Americans. © Flip Schulke/CORBIS |
 Helicopters dropped U.S. infantrymen into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta in 1967 as the war escalated.Helicopters dropped U.S. infantrymen into Vietnam’s Mekong Delta in 1967 as the war escalated. © Bettmann/CORBIS |
 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin posed with the U.S. flag on the first lunar landing, July 20, 1969.Astronaut Buzz Aldrin posed with the U.S. flag on the first lunar landing, July 20, 1969. National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
 Earth Day, initiated in 1970, became an annual celebration drawing attention to environmental concerns.Earth Day, initiated in 1970, became an annual celebration drawing attention to environmental concerns. © Todd Gipstein/CORBIS |
 Immigrants from many countries took the oath of citizenship in Seattle on July 4, 1993.Immigrants from many countries took the oath of citizenship in Seattle on July 4, 1993. © Dean Wong/CORBIS |
 AIDS activists in 1994 push for the eradication of the disease.AIDS activists in 1994 push for the eradication of the disease. © Mark Peterson/CORBIS |
 Unprecedented attacks on September 11, 2001, thrust the United States into a war against terrorism.Unprecedented attacks on September 11, 2001, thrust the United States into a war against terrorism. Tamara Beckwith/New York Post |
 Following the terrorist plane attack on September 11, 2001, firefighters hoisted the American flag over the Pentagon.Following the terrorist plane attack on September 11, 2001, firefighters hoisted the American flag over the Pentagon. AP/Wide World Photos |
 Gavel, 9/11 Commemorative Joint Session of CongressMade for the Senate, this gavel was displayed on the rostrum during a special joint meeting of Congress in New York City on September 6, 2002, to commemorate the losses suffered during terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Collection of the U.S. Senate |
