Here is a rich storehouse of information on more than two centuries of events that have shaped the institution of Congress and the political life and history of the United States.
Through documents that explore all major aspects and activities of Congress, this valuable new research tool offers rare insights and fascinating behind-the-scenes views of the Congress and our nation throughout its history.
Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress is a collection of primary source documents that reveal important aspects of the institution of Congress and the conduct of members, including its origins and development, procedures and reform efforts. Among the topics covered are: the development of Congress and present-day operations, including major changes in parliamentary rules; congressional investigations; excerpts from great speeches delivered in the House and Senate at dramatic moments in American history; major scandals that have rocked the Congress; descriptions of the House and Senate from contemporary members; and major Supreme Court decisions that have defined the powers of Congress.
Many historical documents provide background on topics currently in the news, including campaign finance reforms, the role of the Speaker, and debates over congressional salaries, member behavior, and "home rule" in the capital.
Raymond W. Smock, former historian of the U.S. House of Representatives and award-winning documentary editor, is as uniquely qualified to edit this volume as Congressional Quarterly is to publish it. Drawing from thousands of volumes of the Congressional Record, from special government reports, private letters, and a host of other sources, some never before published, Mr. Smock uses his considerable expertise as an historian and his insider knowledge of the Congress to select key documents, edit them, and put them in context. The result is a volume that is engaging and accessible to the general reader or student as well as helpful and authoritative to the serious researcher.
Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress is arranged chronologically and each document is introduced by an individual headnote that offers valuable context and interpretation. The broad range of documents includes:
- Abigail Adams describes the U.S. Capitol, 1800
- Establishment of the Library of Congress, 1816
- McCullough v. Maryland, 1819
- Alexis de Tocqueville's Description of Members of the House and Senate,1835
- John Quincy Adams' Resolution to End the Gag Rule on Debate over Slavery, 1844
- An Argument Against Reducing Congressional Salaries, 1882
- National Prohibition Act, 1919
- Declaration of War with Japan, 1941
- Senator Margaret Chase Smith's Declaration of Conscience, 1950
- Excerpt from the Army-McCarthy Hearings, 1954
- The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, 1964
- Civil Rights Act, 1966
- Articles of Impeachment of Richard M. Nixon, 1974
- Senator Robert C. Byrd on the Comity of the Senate, 1995
- Excerpts from the Senate Investigation of Campaign Finance Reform, 1997
In addition to the introductions to the individual documents, Landmark Documents also includes an introductory essay, a bibliography on Congress, and an index.
Landmark Documents on the U.S. Congress is not just the perfect reference for primary research on the Congress. It is a fascinating window on the history of the United States and the people, events, and powers that have shaped that history across more than two centuries.
Selected topics from Landmark Documents of the U.S. Congress:
- Historic Events in the Capitol: on such key moments as the laying of the Capitol cornerstone in 1793, the burning of the Capitol in 1814, and the placing of the Statue of Freedom on the dome in 1863.
- Rules and Parliamentary Procedure: documents describing the first House and Senate rules, and the major changes in the past 200+ years.
- Ethics: from the expulsion of members for treason during the Civil War to more recent events such as Abscam, and the resignation of Jim Wright.
- Important Firsts: first documented evidence of lobbying in Congress; first contested election; first congressional investigation.
- Conduct of Members throughout History: from sarcastic floor remarks to withering character assassinations...and even some floor fights that got physical.