The Center on Congress at Indiana University

Our Mission The mission of the Center on Congress is to help all Americans better understand the role of Congress in sustaining the health of our representative democracy, and to teach young people and adults how to communicate their concerns to Congress, so it may truly be the responsive "people's branch" that the framers of our nation intended.

What We Do The Center has developed many resources—across all media, for all ages—to improve people’s understanding of Congress and inspire them to get involved in our nation’s civic life.

What We Do  websites  lesson plans  mobile apps  research  seminars for journalists  print materials  game-based learning modules

 20,000 visits per month  High percentage of traffic from teachers/students  Visits from 188 countries

Commentaries Twice-monthly commentaries on Congress Distributed to 6,000 newspapers ed to individuals

Videos  Facts of Congress (20)  Lunch Break with Dr. Broccoli (1)  Congressional Moments (13)  How Congress Works (41)

Teaching with Primary Sources Partnership with the Library of Congress

Citizens Unite! A Helpful Guide to Being a Better Citizen

Integrating Primary Sources into the Classroom

Apps for Mobile Devices

Virtual Worlds "I learned that when it comes to important life-changing decisions, to have an open mind... to take everyone's idea into consideration." "I learned that you need to choose wisely when deciding who will be your representative." "I learned that you have to work together to accomplish something.” -Seventh graders at Batchelor Middle School

Print & Multi-Media Materials  Books  Booklets  Teacher Packets  CDs and DVDs

Books ://

Booklets

Booklets How to get booklets: 1. Download PDFs 2. Request a hard copy 3. Bulk orders available at cost + shipping

CDs & DVDs Facts of Congress Lunch Break with Dr. Broccoli Congressional Moments How Congress Works E-Learning Modules

Research  Indiana Civic Health Index  Public Opinion Survey of Congress  Political Scientists Survey of Congress

Indiana Civic Health Index

Annual Surveys of Congress  Public Opinion Survey of Congress  Political Scientists Survey of Congress

Capitol Hill Issues Briefings

Coming Soon!

WHY We Do What We Do “Representative democracy does not perpetuate itself. Each new generation of citizens must be taught the core civic skills needed to sustain it.” Lee H. Hamilton