When did the United States Congress start?

When did the United States Congress start?

• A. January 3, 1789
• B. December 4, 1788
• C. July 4, 1789
• D. March 4, 1789

Answer: (D)

March 4, 1789 is when the new government’s Congress actually began meeting. Under the Constitution, that date marks the start of the legislative branch and the operation of the new government, with the First Congress convening in New York City on that day. The president’s term and the inauguration come a bit later—George Washington was sworn in on April 30, 1789—partly because inauguration dates were set separately and the new government needed time to organize after the electoral process. The other dates aren’t when Congress started: December 4, 1788 is tied to when electors cast their votes, July 4 is Independence Day, and January 3, 1789 was not the start date for the First Congress.

March 4, 1789 is when the new government’s Congress actually began meeting. Under the Constitution, that date marks the start of the legislative branch and the operation of the new government, with the First Congress convening in New York City on that day. The president’s term and the inauguration come a bit later—George Washington was sworn in on April 30, 1789—partly because inauguration dates were set separately and the new government needed time to organize after the electoral process. The other dates aren’t when Congress started: December 4, 1788 is tied to when electors cast their votes, July 4 is Independence Day, and January 3, 1789 was not the start date for the First Congress.