# Congress: Crucible of American Democracy

Though often treated by historians, political scientists and the American public as of lesser consequence than the Executive Branch, the U.S. Congress has historically served as the crucible of American democracy. In continual interaction and evolution as an institution, Congress has molded and directed national policy affecting the lives of virtually every American citizen. Its history is as diverse and complex as the nation and is waiting to be told in its entirety. Steve Stathis' continuing effort to capture the essence of that story focuses on the historical evolution of the twin functions of Congress--to legislate for the nation and to represent the people.

- Kind: Talk
- Year: 2008
- By: Library Of Congress
- Genres: History
- Archive: [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/item/2021688013/)
- Licence or status: Rights statement at the Library of Congress (as the archive states it)
- Credit: Library of Congress
- Who can watch: Tweens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/loc/2021688013?play=1)