2021 was a transformative year in US politics. Here are the biggest stories.

This year brought a dizzying mix of triumphs and setbacks in Washington, where lawmakers have grappled with everything from a deadly pandemic to an assault on democracy itself.

While President Joe Biden used his inauguration speech to call for unity, division has run through nearly every aspect of US politics.

Here are some of the biggest political stories of 2021:

January 6

Just six days into the year, the US Capitol insurrection defined 2021 in US politics.

The unprecedented attack on democracy, which began as members of Congress worked to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, commanded the nation's attention as violent scenes of rioters attacking officers and destroying parts of the Capitol were broadcast live across the country.

The ensuing chaos led to the deaths of multiple people the day of the attack or shortly thereafter, while several officers who responded during the Capitol attack later died by suicide.