Periods of Congress

Textbook Congress 1930s-1980s

golden period of congress, a lot of deal making, leadership was often weak and committees held lots of power and influence with Speakers letting committees hash out compromises amongst themselves, tons of landmark legislation passed during this period. There weren't any government shutdowns, 

Founding Era 1789-1820ish

Congress not especially partisan though parties did exist. Duels between politicians happened occasionally. Congress not necessarily a glamorous job D.C. not that developed not that uncommon for members to die or become very ill during session or on the way to D.C.

Pre Civil War Era 1820-1860s

Congress became much more partisan and
you could sort of see the seeds for the civil war being sown. Became more violent

Post Civil War/Czar Era 1870s-1920

very partisan era of Congress, Speaker of the House evolves into a very partisan and powerful position, Height of political machine era politics often very corrupt, Deep divides between Democrats & Republicans, Republicans the dominate party

Modern/Contemporary Era 1990ish- Now

Defined by hyper partisanship, low productivity, and a decline in landmark legislation. Era has had no clearly dominant party with control of both Chambers of Congress flipping back and forth every few years