<P> The First United States Congress , consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives , met from March 4 , 1789 , to March 4 , 1791 , during the first two years of George Washington 's presidency , first at Federal Hall in New York City and later at Congress Hall in Philadelphia . With the initial meeting of the First Congress , the United States federal government officially began operations under the new ( and current ) frame of government established by the 1787 Constitution . The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the provisions of Article I , Section 2 , Clause 3 of the Constitution . Both chambers had a Pro-Administration majority . Twelve articles of amendment to the Constitution were passed by this Congress and sent to the states for ratification ; the ten ratified as additions to the Constitution on December 15 , 1791 , are collectively known as the Bill of Rights . </P>
<P> The First United States Congress , consisting of the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives , met from March 4 , 1789 , to March 4 , 1791 , during the first two years of George Washington 's presidency , first at Federal Hall in New York City and later at Congress Hall in Philadelphia . With the initial meeting of the First Congress , the United States federal government officially began operations under the new ( and current ) frame of government established by the 1787 Constitution . The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the provisions of Article I , Section 2 , Clause 3 of the Constitution . Both chambers had a Pro-Administration majority . Twelve articles of amendment to the Constitution were passed by this Congress and sent to the states for ratification ; the ten ratified as additions to the Constitution on December 15 , 1791 , are collectively known as the Bill of Rights . </P>
when did congress meet for the first time
when did congress meet for the first time
March 4 , 1789
March 4 , 1789