Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

Kids in the House 2.0

In the early 2000s, the Office of the Clerk launched a website for young people interested in how Congress worked. Specifically, the Kids in the House website was “an interactive center to help kids learn about the United States House of Representatives and its role in lawmaking.” In Spring 2025, Kids in the House (KITH) migrated to the History, Art & Archives website as part of the Education section with an emphasis on explaining House functions and government operations to the youngest learners.

History

The earliest versions of Kids in the House pulled information and material from the Government Printing Office (now Government Publishing Office or GPO) using standards for elementary, middle school, and high school-aged learners. KITH featured a Learning Center with essays on how the House functioned and a “Fun and Games” section, that included puzzles and activities.

With the launch of KITH 2.0, the new web feature includes three revamped sections, with more to come:

“What is Congress?”
“What is Congress?” explains the differences between the executive branch, the judicial branch, and the legislative branches of the U.S. government. The Founders designed the three branches to keep each other balanced so that one branch does not become too powerful; each branch’s duties and powers are outlined in the Constitution. The legislative branch, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, makes the laws of the United States.

“How a Bill Becomes a Law”
“How a Bill Becomes a Law” demonstrates the many steps and numerous people involved in turning an idea into a bill and a bill into a law. Just how many stops are there along the way? Read about how the U.S. House of Representatives creates, debates, and votes on legislation to make laws for the country.

Activities for Young Learners
Users can view and download 15 activity pages, as well as a coloring book designed for young learners on how the House works, its architecture, art, and history.

Future Additions
Look for upcoming sections on how the House of Representatives works: about Members of the House and their qualifications; how committees work; and leadership and officer roles in the House.

Other Education Resources

National History Day: Explore primary and secondary sources for this year’s National History Day project, updated each September to fit the year’s theme.

Primary Source Sets: Study American history by analyzing these collections of primary sources, including letters, legislation, photographs, maps, and more. Each primary source set includes a brief contextual essay, discussion questions, and classroom activities. Teachers are encouraged to download and use these materials in your classroom.

Student Guides: These primers guide students—and learners of all ages—as they examine the work and operations of the House of Representatives. Explore the basics of the House, from types of legislation to the rostrum in the House Chamber. Classroom activities included for educators.

Download or Request our Publications: The Office of the Historian has created several print publications. The most efficient method of accessing these materials is through downloads and website content. A limited quantity of print copies are available for educators.

Sources: “About this Site,” The Office of the Clerk: Kids in the House, 11 February 2002, https://web.archive.org/web/20020609130642/http://clerkkids.house.gov/about_site.php3; Center for Civic Education, https://www.civiced.org/.