The 17th Congress
An Examination of the United States Legislature, 1821-1823
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Congressional Overview
Term and Presidency
The 17th United States Congress convened from March 4, 1821, to March 4, 1823. This period fell within the second term of President James Monroe's administration, often referred to as the "Era of Good Feelings," characterized by a period of relative political harmony and national unity.
Legislative Context
The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives was determined by the 1810 United States census. Both the Senate and the House were dominated by a significant majority of the Democratic-Republican Party, reflecting the political landscape of the time.
Sessions Convened
While the official term began in March 1821, the legislative sessions commenced later. The First Session ran from December 3, 1821, to May 8, 1822. The Second Session followed, beginning December 2, 1822, and concluding on March 3, 1823.
Key Occurrences
Presidential Inauguration
March 5, 1821, marked the Second Inauguration of James Monroe as President of the United States, underscoring the continuity of leadership during this period.
Florida Sovereignty Transfer
In accordance with the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, the official transfer of sovereignty over Spanish Florida from Spain to the United States occurred on July 10, 1821, integrating this territory into the nation.
House Speakership Election
The election for the Speaker of the House proved contentious, requiring twelve ballots before Philip P. Barbour was successfully elected on December 4, 1821, highlighting the dynamics within the chamber.
Legislative Actions
Landmark Bills
While specific landmark legislation details are not enumerated in the primary source, the 17th Congress was responsible for enacting laws pertinent to the nation's governance, territorial expansion, and administrative functions during this era.
Party Composition
Senate Dynamics
The Senate comprised 48 members at the start, with two additional seats added for Missouri. The Democratic-Republican Party held a commanding majority, with 38 seats initially, expanding to 43 by the end of the Congress. The Federalist Party maintained a small presence, starting with 8 seats and declining to 3.
House Representation
The House began with 187 representatives, increasing to 188 with Missouri's admission. The Democratic-Republican majority was substantial, holding 150 seats initially and growing to 154 by the end. The Federalist representation diminished from 24 to 3 seats.
Key Leadership
Senate Leadership
The Vice President, Daniel D. Tompkins, presided as President of the Senate. John Gaillard served as the President pro tempore, elected on December 3, 1821, managing Senate proceedings in the Vice President's absence.
House Leadership
Philip P. Barbour was elected Speaker of the House on the twelfth ballot of the first session, December 4, 1821. His leadership guided the House through the legislative business of the Congress.
Membership Details
Senate Roster
The Senate consisted of 48 members at the outset, representing 22 states. Membership changes occurred throughout the term due to various factors, including statehood admission and political transitions.
House Roster
The House of Representatives comprised 187 members initially, based on the 1810 census, with representation distributed across 20 states and 3 territories. Membership changes were frequent, reflecting electoral outcomes and individual decisions.
Congressional Committees
Senate Committees
The Senate maintained standing committees to address key areas of governance, including Finance, Foreign Relations, Military Affairs, and Naval Affairs. Committee leadership often shifted due to the dynamic nature of Senate membership.
House Committees
The House of Representatives organized committees to manage its legislative workload, covering areas such as Commerce, Claims, Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means. The Speaker often played a role in committee appointments.
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References
References
- Letter: Erskine College, [Due West, South Carolina], to John K. Gaillard, Double Branches, Anderson District, [South Carolina] by W. A. Thomson, 1849
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date regarding historical details.
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