Born into wealth and a political dynasty, Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy devoted more than a half century to public service. Kennedy's office wrote about 2,500 bills, and more than 300 have become law. More than 550 bills Kennedy has cosponsored since 1973 — the first year Senate records showed lists of cosponsors — have been enacted. Here's a look at highlights of his career.

Right: On April 21, 2009, Kennedy reacted as President Obama spoke before he signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which aims to increase the ranks of AmeriCorps.