Founding Moments
The Beginnings of the United States Senate
The origins of the U.S. Senate trace back to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
The United States Senate, one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, has a rich history that dates back to the founding of the nation. Established by the United States Constitution, the Senate convened for its first meeting on March 4, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. This article delves into the formative years of the Senate, highlighting key events and figures that shaped its early history.
The Constitutional Convention and the Great Compromise
The idea of a bicameral legislature was born during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The framers of the Constitution, meeting at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, debated extensively on how representation in Congress should be structured. The larger states favored the Virginia Plan, which proposed representation based on population, while the smaller states supported the New Jersey Plan, which called for equal representation for each state.
The deadlock was broken by the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth. This agreement led to the creation of a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state, regardless of size. This dual system of representation was a pivotal moment in American history, ensuring that both large and small states had a voice in the new government.
The First Senate Session
The Senate held its inaugural session on March 4, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. Initially, the Senate met in secret, with no spectators allowed and no notes published on its proceedings. This practice continued until 1795, when the Senate opened its legislative sessions to the public, marking a significant step towards transparency in government.
One of the first orders of business for the Senate was to elect its officers. On April 6, 1789, the Senate achieved its first quorum and proceeded to elect a doorkeeper, secretary, and chaplain. Samuel Otis was elected as the first Secretary of the Senate on April 8, 1789, a position he held until his death in 1814.
Early Challenges and Milestones
The early years of the Senate were marked by several significant events and challenges. In 1790, Congress moved to Philadelphia for a ten-year period while the new national capital was being constructed in Washington, D.C. The Senate took up residence in the north wing of the unfinished Capitol in Washington on November 17, 1800, and achieved its first quorum in the new capital on November 21.
One of the first major legislative actions of the Senate was the Judiciary Act of 1789, which established the federal judiciary. This act, primarily authored by Senator Oliver Ellsworth, laid the foundation for the United States' judicial system.
The Senate also faced its first contested election in 1794, when it declared the election of Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania void due to his failure to meet the constitutional citizenship requirement. This decision set a precedent for the Senate's role in adjudicating contested elections.
The Role of the Vice President
The role of the Vice President in the Senate was another area of early contention. Initially, the Vice President was allowed to craft legislation and participate in debates. However, these rights were quickly curtailed. Thomas Jefferson, who served as Vice President from 1797 to 1801, attended Senate sessions only on special occasions. Despite his frequent absences, Jefferson made a lasting impact with his "Manual of Parliamentary Practice for the Use of the Senate of the United States," published in 1801, which is still used today.
The Senate's Evolution
The Senate evolved significantly during its early years, gaining a reputation for being a deliberative and prestigious body. The Senate's smaller size and longer terms allowed for more extended debates and a less partisan atmosphere compared to the House of Representatives. This collegial environment helped the Senate become a key player in the legislative process and a vital part of the federal government's system of checks and balances.
The early history of the United States Senate is a testament to the vision and foresight of the nation's founders. From the Great Compromise to the establishment of key legislative practices, the formative years of the Senate laid the groundwork for its role as a cornerstone of American democracy.