CONGRESS

What If Congress Was Dissolved? A Low-Budget Daydream From 1947--VIDEO

Updated: August 22, 2012 | 12:49 p.m.
August 22, 2012 | 12:36 p.m.

Mr. Williams is fed up with Congress. For one, the governing body can't seem to build a post office within walking distance to his house. It's a mile a way for goodness' sake.

"I don't care a hang who gets to Congress," Mr. Williams says to a friend who compels him to vote in the upcoming election. "What's Congress ever given me except a lot of trouble? … You know what I think? I think we'd all be better off if there wasn't any Congress."

After a flurry of bubbles, the man gets his wish, beginning a daydream where Congress has been suspended indefinitely. What does Mr. Williams find in the world without Congress? No consistent money, no stamps, and a dark world filled with frustrations. And, apparently, without Congress everyone speaks in campy, ghostlike voices. 

Watch this 1947 instructional film from the Prelinger Archives:

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Sign up for National Journal’s AM & PM Must Reads. News and analysis to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Latest on Membership
Weekly Update National Journal Toolbox 5-16-13
May 16, 2013
Presentation Center No Partisans at the Pump
May 23, 2013
Expert Opinions
Transportation Experts

Oops! Judge Slams Local Public-Private Deal

7:05 p.m.

Latest Response by Robert L. Darbelnet: Public Scrutiny Essential

Energy Experts

Should Washington Go Small on Energy and Climate Policy?

May 17, 2013

Latest Response by Jack Gerard: Minor Policies, Major Consequences

Energy Experts

Should Washington Go Small on Energy and Climate Policy?

May 16, 2013

Latest Response by Jonathan Silver: Woefully Little, Better Than Nothing

More Expert Opinions »
Columns
Charlie Cook: The Cook Report

Republicans Should Go Easy on Obama, At Least in Public

May 16, 2013
As a tactical matter, a subterranean campaign will score more direct hits on the president.
Ronald Brownstein: Political Connections

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

May 16, 2013
By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.
Norm Ornstein: Washington Inside Out

Eric Cantor’s Caucus Thwarts His Push for an Alternative Agenda

May 16, 2013
Cantor has learned that the tea-party movement he helped foster won’t fall in line behind his efforts to push an alternative conservative agenda.
More Columns »