111th Congress, 2nd Session
The Oath of Office bill
May 18, 1789
The Oath of Office Bill, the first legislative act of Congress, passed the House of Representatives on this date. President George Washington signed the bill into law on June 1, 1789. The simple text read, “I, A.B., do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States.” The oath of office became an important aspect of the Reconstruction Era (1865–1877). Newly elected Members, especially from seceding states, had to affirm to the oath to serve in the Congress. The text of the oath has changed several times, and it is now administered en masse by the Speaker of the House on the floor on the opening day of each new Congress. Article VI of the Constitution requires all Representatives, Senators, executive officers, judicial officers, and state legislatures to affirm support for the Constitution. In cases when a House Member has an excused absence, another Member may administer the oath to them.
Related Highlight Subjects
Cite this Highlight
Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=4, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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Visitors Gallery Pass for the opening day of the 110th Congress, 2007
Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
Wielding the Gavel
Ask students to locate three stories pertaining to Speakers of the House. Have students select and conduct research on one of the Speakers using historical highlights and the Biographical Directory bibliography.
