Students learn why there are two houses of Congress and discover how a bicameral legislature ensures that all states have a voice in bills.

Links to the complete texts of Henry Clay's speeches to the U.S. House and Senate in 1837. Part 1 is On the Expunging Resolutions and Part 2 is On the Seminole War.

Read the text of President Eisenhower's letter to the Senate in which he lays out his reasons for vetoing a housing bill. See the specifics he gives that he feels would improve the bill and allow him to sign it.

In this collection from the University of Virginia you can read miscellaneous kinds of correspondence by Jefferson, including letters about American Indian issues and annual addresses to the House and Senate.

A searchable database and directory which contains contact information, a biography and a photo of all current members of Congress.

Learn more about the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs at this website. "The Committee has a broad jurisdiction over the operation of our nation's financial institutions, housing and mass transit programs." This site is...

Margaret Chase Smith was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress. She was the first woman to enter the Senate without being appointed to the position. During World War II, she was the only civilian woman to go to sea in a Navy...

This resource includes historical essays about African Americans in Congress along with profiles of the congressional careers of each African-American Representative and Senator, images of artifacts, educational resources for teachers,...

This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.

The official government site of the GOP. This site is supported by House and Senate Republicans.

Why did the founding fathers create two separate chambers in Congress - the House of Representatives and Senate? Find out the reasons for the dual chamber and the responsibilities of each one. Included is a glossary and printable puzzles...

Read about the subdued campaign and election of 1888 where the Republicans took control of the presidency, House of Represenatives, and Senate. Find out how Benjamin Harrison was selected as the Republican presidential candidate.

From the official site of the U.S. Senate, this biography of John Nance Garner, at first a candidate running for the Demcratic nomination for president, and becoming the candidate for Vice-President for Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932...

This is the official homepage of the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Provides an overview of the committee and its work.

This resource from Khan Academy provides questions about the Senate and the House of Representatives. This lesson is intended for students taking a high school or college level American Government and Civics courses, including the AP...

Highlights of the career of African American Senator Barack Obama, Democrat from Illinois, 2005-2008. He went on to be elected President of the United States on November 4, 2008.

Great reference tool for finding information on female Members of Congress both past and current. Includes biographical profiles, images, historical essays, artifacts relating to the history of Congresswomen, and teacher resources. You...

A fantastic site available in both English and Spanish where students can learn about the Texas State Government. Divided in three categories: for kids up to 3rd grade, for 4th grade kids and up, for parents and teachers. Kids can take a...

A fantastic site available in both English and Spanish where students can learn about the Texas State Government. Divided in three categories: for kids up to 3rd grade, for 4th grade kids and up, for parents and teachers. Kids can take a...

Read the full text of the "House Divided" speech that Lincoln delivered on June 16, 1858, as he accepted the Republican nomination for the U.S.Senate seat from Illinois that was held by Stephen A. Douglas. This speech exemplifies...

A detailed biography of Kay Bailey Hutchison, a United States Senator from Texas.

The Library of Congress presents research materials about the building of the United States Capitol. Conceiving of themselves as inheritors, guardians, and conveyors of Western civilization, our founding fathers slowly built a Capitol...

This resource from Khan Academy provides advanced-level practice questions over the structures, powers, and functions of Congress. These practice questions are intended for students taking high school or college level American Government...

Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.