"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives."

Article I, Section 1

The importance of the First Federal Congress cannot be exaggerated. It played a critical role as the body which began to implement and interpret the new Constitution of the United States. The conception of the government occurred at the Federal Convention, but it was not until the First Federal Congress began to make decisions and pass enabling legislation that life was breathed into that government. The responsibility for the success or failure of the American Revolution rested with the members of this seminal Congress. Despite the difficult issues facing them, the members overcame their political and regional differences and left to the future a sturdy foundation on which a great nation could be built.

• Introduction
   
• Members of the First Federal Congress
   
• The U.S. Constitution
   
• Erection of the "Eleventh Pillar"
   
• Rep. Jackson's Speech
   
• Rep. Hartley's Departure
   
• Sen. Morris' Letter