Congress

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the evolving frameworks, rules, and organizational structures that shape the U.S. Congress and profoundly influence American politics. Students will examine the historical development and key debates surrounding congressional procedures while tracing how these elements have been interpreted, contested, and reformed over time. Through primary sources, historical case studies, and contemporary examples, the course analyzes how changes in these institutional arrangements, from the nineteenth-century rise of strong party leadership to twentieth- and twenty-first-century shifts toward decentralization, polarization, and procedural innovations, have shaped American governance. 

Over 12 weeks, course participants will participate in weekly seminar discussions and small group meetings. Readings in this course will include a mix of primary and secondary courses related to congressional history and practice. There will be regular assignments throughout the course and a final in-class exam.   

This synchronous course is entirely virtual, and is taught by Dr. Mack Mariani, Professor of Political Science and Director of the American Founding and Constitution Program at Xavier University.

This course is open to teachers in any state. Teachers will receive 3 graduate credits from Xavier University upon completion of the course.  

Credit from this course can transfer or apply:  

• 3 credits to the UVU M.A. in Constitutional Government, Civics, and Law 

• 3 credits to the Jacksonville State University M.S.E. in Secondary Social Studies Education 

• 3 credits to the Xavier University Graduate Certificate in the American Founding and Constitution 

AFAC 553: Congress 

• May 18 – August 3, Mondays, 7pm – 9:15pm ET 
• One one-hour required small group meeting per week 

Course registration begins April 7, 2026. Please direct any questions to JMC Graduate Consortium Manager, Moyra Eaton, at meaton@gojmc.org. 

This course is a part of the Jack Miller Center’s Civics Foundations Graduate Consortium, which seeks to provide K-12 teachers with high-impact graduate education centered around American civics and history. Click the link below to read more about the consortium and explore other available courses.