1956: Political figures often draw on America's history for material in their public speeches and writing. Just as Kennedy explores examples of past courage in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, other high-ranking officials often address the American public by quoting past statesmen.

Today: Political figures continue to draw on America's past when addressing the public. This demonstrates respect for the wisdom of those who served in the past. In his first speech as President-elect, George W. Bush reminds listeners of an election in early American history and then quotes the man elected, Thomas Jefferson.

1956: Two parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, dominate the government. This two-party system is described by Kennedy at every phase of the U.S. Senate's history, starting as early as 1800, although the parties have changed.

Today: Today, the Democrats and the Republicans remain the two dominant political parties...