Profiles nine of America's most provocative, colorful, and controversial congressional leaders, Henry Clay, James Polk, Thaddeus Stevens, James Blaine, Thomas Reed, Joe Cannon, Nicholas Longworth, Sam Rayburn, and Newt Gingrich.

Mr. Clay's war --Who is James K. Polk? -- Old Thad Stevens -- Blaine at bay -- Reed and the rules -- Attack on Uncle Joe -- Slick Nick Longworth's fist of iron -- Mr. Sam survives -- Speaker Newt -- Conclusion. Power and the public good.