Founding1789
First U.S. House of Representatives Achieves a Quorum
The U.S. House of Representatives achieved its first quorum in New York City, allowing the new Congress to begin conducting business under the Constitution. Frederick Muhlenberg of Pennsylvania was elected as the first Speaker of the House.
Why It Matters
This moment marked the beginning of the legislative branch as a functioning institution, establishing the people's direct voice in the new constitutional government.