<P> The first presidential term started on March 4 , 1789 , the date set by the Congress of the Confederation for the beginning of operations of the federal government under the new U.S. Constitution . However , logistical delays prevented the actual start of the operations of the Executive Branch on that day . On that date , the House of Representatives and the Senate convened for the first time , but both adjourned due to lack of a quorum . As a result , the Presidential Electoral Votes could not be counted or certified . On April 1 , the House convened with a quorum present for the first time , and the representatives began their work , with the election of Frederick Muhlenberg as its Speaker . The Senate first achieved a quorum on April 6 , and elected John Langdon as its president pro tempore . That same day , the House and Senate met in joint session and the electoral votes were counted . Washington and Adams were certified as having been elected president and vice president respectively . </P>
<P> The first presidential term started on March 4 , 1789 , the date set by the Congress of the Confederation for the beginning of operations of the federal government under the new U.S. Constitution . However , logistical delays prevented the actual start of the operations of the Executive Branch on that day . On that date , the House of Representatives and the Senate convened for the first time , but both adjourned due to lack of a quorum . As a result , the Presidential Electoral Votes could not be counted or certified . On April 1 , the House convened with a quorum present for the first time , and the representatives began their work , with the election of Frederick Muhlenberg as its Speaker . The Senate first achieved a quorum on April 6 , and elected John Langdon as its president pro tempore . That same day , the House and Senate met in joint session and the electoral votes were counted . Washington and Adams were certified as having been elected president and vice president respectively . </P>
what delayed the inauguration of the new government under the u.s. constitution
what delayed the inauguration of the new government under the u.s. constitution
logistical delays
logistical delays