111th Congress, 2nd Session
The opening of the First Congress in New York City
March 04, 1789
The First Congress was scheduled to meet in New York City on this date, though it failed to achieve the quorum necessary to conduct business. The Constitution mandated only that “Congress shall assemble once in every year” on the first Monday in December unless, by law, it set another date. Before adjourning in 1788, the Confederation Congress appointed March 4, 1789, as the opening day of the First Federal Congress. But primitive modes of transportation—horseback, stage, and sailing ship—made the journey arduous for many of the House’s 66 Members as they trekked toward the capital. Members slowly straggled into town. The opening was delayed for days, then weeks. The House finally achieved a quorum on April 1—electing its first Speaker, Representative Frederick A.C. Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1933, required that modern Congresses begin on the third day of January, unless Congress passes legislation appointing a different date.
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=259, (December 07, 2010).For Additional Information
Office of History and Preservation(202) 226-1300
history@mail.house.gov
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In the 1st Congress (1789–1791), Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania served along side his brother, John Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania. The Muhlenberg family sent six members to serve in Congress, spanning 160 years of congressional service.
Oil on canvas, Samuel B. Waugh after Joseph Wright, 1881, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Teaching Tip
House Legislation
Have students search the highlight dates and locate reference to any legislative document (bill, resolution, speech, etc.). Ask students to track down the document at a local depository library. Students should research the historical background of the document and make a brief presentation which includes reading all or portions of the document aloud. To locate a nearby federal depository library go to http://catalog.gpo.gov.
