America's First Law

Initial Meetings

The first Congress of the United States convened on April 1, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. They faced the monumental task of establishing rules and electing leaders, such as the Speaker of the House. The Senate reached a quorum on April 6 and began by counting the Electoral College votes for president, a constitutional requirement to activate the executive branch 1.

   

Housekeeping Tasks

Much of the early work of Congress involved essential but non-legislative tasks. They hired key employees like a doorkeeper and a secretary for the Senate, and a clerk and sergeant at arms for the House. They also created internal rules and debated how to address the president, ultimately settling on "Mr. President" 1 2.

John Adams was obsessed with how the president should be addressed. He headed a committee which considered your highness, your electoral highness, and even your majesty.

--- Gary Arndt

These foundational tasks were crucial for the smooth operation of Congress.

   

America's First Law

The first official law passed by Congress was an act to regulate the time and manner of administering certain oaths. This law required all government officials to take an oath to support the Constitution. George Washington signed this act into law on June 1, 1789, and parts of it are still in effect today 2.

On June 1, 1789, George Washington affixed his signature, and America had its first official law, an act to regulate the time and manner of administering certain oaths.

--- Gary Arndt

This act laid the groundwork for the legal and procedural framework of the new government.