Research Guides: Political Science: U.S. Politics

Primary Source Databases

Thomas (Library of Congress)
This resource makes federal legislative information freely available to the public. Includes: Bills & Resolutions-from 93rd (1982) to current, Congressional Record-101st (1973-74) to current, Public Laws-from 93rd to current, and more.
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Search TV News
“TV News Search and Borrow” allows you to keyword search and then view online and for free, clips from TV news programs. You can view 30-second clips (one at a time) or “borrow” complete programs for a fee direct from the Internet Archive.

CQ Historic Document Series This link opens in a new window
Starting in 1972, these documents range from presidential speeches, international agreements, and Supreme Court decisions to U.S. governmental reports, scientific findings, and cultural discussions. The library has documents to 2010.

National Archives & Records Administration (NARA)
Many people know the National Archives as the keeper of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. But we also hold in trust for the public the records of ordinary citizens—for example, military records of the brave men and women who have fought for our country, naturalization records of the immigrants whose dreams have shaped our nation, and even the canceled check from the purchase of Alaska. In a democracy, records belong to the people, and for more than seven decades, NARA has preserved and provided access to the records of the United States of America. Learn more about this collection.
National Security Archives
An independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University, the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

American State Papers, 1789-1838 This link opens in a new window
Primary source material on many aspects of early American history from 1789 to 1838, including approximately 6280 numbered publications, largely Congressional but also containing Executive Department materials (e.g., Foreign Relations, Indian Affairs, Public Lands, etc.)

C-SPAN - Lots of video!
Law Library of Congress
The world's largest collection of law books and legal resources.
Pew's Center on the States
Pew's Center on the States (PCS) works to advance state policies that serve the public interest. PCS conducts credible research, brings together diverse perspectives, and analyzes states’ experiences to determine what works and what does not.