The 32nd United States Congress was a meeting of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives. It met in Washington, D.C. from March 4, 1851, to March 4, 1853, during the last two years of Millard Fillmore's presidency. The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the 1840 United States census. Both chambers had a Democratic majority. It was one of the least active Congresses, forwarding only 74 bills that were signed by the president. Major events March 20, 1852: Uncle Tom's Cabin published. July 1, 1852: Henry Clay was the first to lie in state in the United States Capitol rotunda. November 2, 1852: 1852 United States presidential election: Democrat Franklin Pierce defeated Whig Winfield Scott. Major legislation March 2, 1853: An act providing for administering the oath of office to William R. King, Vice President elect of the United States of America. Sess. 2, Ch. 93, Territories organized March 2, 1853: Washington Territory was formed from Oregon Territory. Party summary Senate House of Representatives Leadership Senate President: Vacant (since the ascension of Millard Fillmore to U.S. President on July 9, 1850) President pro tempore: William R. King (D), until December 20, 1852 David R. Atchison (D), from December 20, 1852 House of Representatives Speaker: Linn Boyd (D) Members This list is arranged by chamber, then by state. Senators are listed by class and representatives by district. Senate Senators were elected by the state legislatures every two years, with one-third beginning new six-year terms with each Congress. Preceding the names in the list below are Senate class numbers, which indicate the cycle of their election. In this Congress, Class 1 meant their term began with this Congress, facing re-election in 1856; Class 2 meant their term ended with this Congress, facing re-election in 1852; and Class 3 meant their term began in the last Congress, facing re-election in 1854. Alabama 2. Jeremiah Clemens (D) 3. William R. King (D), until December 20, 1852 Benjamin Fitzpatrick (D), from January 14, 1853 Arkansas 2. William K. Sebastian (D) 3. Solon Borland (D) California 1. John B. Weller (D), from January 30, 1852 3. William M. Gwin (D) Connecticut 1. Isaac Toucey (D), from May 12, 1852 3. Truman Smith (W) Delaware 1. James A. Bayard Jr. (D) 2. Presley Spruance (W) Florida