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U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill (D-MA) at Speaker's platform: "Pursuant to House Resolution 197...."; adult Caucasian male and female clerks seated at rostrum in FG. Host Edwin Newman (VO): "For all its faults, Congress has endured for 200 years. Is the Congress now moving toward the 21st century still resilient and capable of function for the next 100 years, or has it been sapped of its vitality and effectiveness?" U.S. Representative Ron Dellums (D-CA) speaking, gesticulating at lectern. U.S. Representative Silvio Conte (R-MA) angrily gesticulating, speaking at lectern. Three middle-aged adult Caucasian Congressmen at committee hearing; adult Caucasian male and female photographers in FG, taking pictures. In studio, Newman introduces himself, subject matter, and participants: U.S. Representative Dick Cheney (R-WY), U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers (D-AR), Thomas Mann of the American Political Science Association, and series editor Norman Ornstein. Ornstein says Congress was originally devised in the "horse and buggy days" of the 18th century, but Congress is different today. Out of necessity, it is larger and more complex, but it some senses it still bears resemblances to an 18th century institution trying bear the burdens of modern society. How well is it holding up?