Question

What was the first action taken by the congress?

Answer 1

The first actions taken by Congress included structuring the federal government, establishing departments, and enacting the Judiciary Act and the 1789 Tariff Act to support a powerful national government.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action taken by Congress, after the United States Constitution was adopted and the new government was formed, encompassed various significant legislative steps. Initially, Congress focused on structuring the federal government by establishing departments, including naming the first attorney general. One of the first major legislative actions was the passing of the Judiciary Act in July 1789, which created a Supreme Court with six justices, showcasing their commitment to a strong national government. Additionally, the first major piece of economic legislation was the enactment of the 1789 Tariff Act, which was aimed at raising revenue to resolve economic challenges and was seen as a victory for nationalists who favored a robust federal government.

Before these legislative actions, even before the first drafting of the Olive Branch Petition, Congress had taken measures to prepare for war, such as establishing the Continental Army and appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief in June 1775. Such preparations were also among the early actions taken by the delegates.

Answer 2

The first action taken by Congress was that of passing an act to regulate the time and manner of administering certain oaths.

Step-by-step explanation:

• New York City was chosen as the temporary capital of the United States and the first Congress met here in March 1789.
• The issues on the unwritten agenda were that of creating a treasury, a war machinery, a foreign affairs department, a sound tax system, a strong judiciary, etc.
• All of these issues were considered by the Congress one by one and the offices for the same were established by passing necessary laws through the next few meetings of the Congress.