Ever since the wake-up call that was Columbine, schools and law enforcement have developed multiple strategies to prevent attacks. Can the hard-won gains made by psychologists and law enforcement be extended to the families of some of the nation's most violent individuals? Is the country ready to have a national conversation about the balance between safety and civil liberties that such interventions would require? Available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions. [9:19]

Find out how Rome evolves from a democratic republic to a government controlled essentially by the wealthy. It works for a long time.

The Romans cast off their Etruscan kings and create a new Republic, incorporating many of the governmental ideas from the Etruscans into their new government.

In a chapter from William Morey's 1901 textbook, he explains the make-up of the Roman populus at the beginning of the Late Republic.

Follow a bill, from its introduction to Congress to its signing by the President. Find out about all the steps in between, including the presidential veto and the Congressional override.

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 that drew upon both American and European emblematic and architectural traditions.

A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of our government as well as the electoral process and the role of political parties.

Describes Preston Brooks' attack on Senator Charles Sumner, May 22, 1856, in the Senate after Sumner's famous speech, "Crimes Against Kansas."

This site from the United States Senate provides information about the evolution of the Senate as the Constitution was being written by the Constitutional Congress.