Founding1788
Congress Sets Date for First Presidential Election
The Confederation Congress passed a resolution setting the date for the first presidential election and the start of operations under the new Constitution. The first Wednesday in January 1789 was set for choosing presidential electors, with the new government to commence on March 4.
Why It Matters
This resolution marked the peaceful transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, establishing the precedent for orderly transfers of governmental authority that defines American democracy.