Founding1789
First Session of the U.S. Senate Achieves a Quorum
The U.S. Senate achieved its first quorum at Federal Hall in New York City, with Vice President John Adams presiding. With both chambers now operational, the first Congress could proceed with organizing the new government under the Constitution.
Why It Matters
The convening of the Senate completed the establishment of the bicameral legislature designed by the framers, balancing the interests of states and the people in the lawmaking process.