Which U.S. President's term overlapped with the 33rd United States Congress?

Franklin Pierce served as the President of the United States during the entirety of the 33rd Congress, which spanned from March 4, 1853, to March 4, 1855. This period covers the first two years of his presidency.

What significant piece of legislation was passed during the 33rd Congress that contributed to the formation of the Republican Party?

The Kansas-Nebraska Act, passed on May 30, 1854, was a significant piece of legislation during the 33rd Congress. This act repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed settlers in Kansas and Nebraska territories to decide whether to allow slavery, a move that deeply divided the nation and spurred the creation of the Republican Party.

On what basis was the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives determined for the 33rd Congress?

The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives for the 33rd Congress was based on the results of the 1850 United States census. This census determined the population distribution across the states, which in turn dictated the number of representatives each state would have.

What was the majority party in both the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 33rd United States Congress?

The Democratic Party held a majority in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives throughout the 33rd United States Congress.

Who served as the President of the Senate at the beginning of the 33rd Congress, and what happened to the position?

William R. King, as the Vice President, served as the President of the Senate at the beginning of the 33rd Congress. However, he died on April 18, 1853, leaving the position vacant for the remainder of the Congress's term.

Who held the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 33rd Congress?

Linn Boyd served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives for the duration of the 33rd Congress.

What major territorial expansion occurred during the 33rd Congress, and why?

The Gadsden Purchase, finalized on December 30, 1853, added territory to the United States from Mexico. This land was acquired primarily to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad, as it provided a suitable route for the railway.

What significant diplomatic event involved Commodore Matthew C. Perry and Japan during the 33rd Congress?

During the 33rd Congress, Commodore Matthew C. Perry arrived in Edo Bay on July 8, 1853. His mission was to request a trade treaty with the Japanese government, marking a pivotal moment in the opening of Japan to foreign relations after centuries of isolation.

What treaty was signed with Japan during the 33rd Congress, and what did it accomplish?

The Convention of Kanagawa was signed with the Japanese government on March 31, 1854. This treaty opened the Japanese ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American trade and provided for the welfare of shipwrecked American sailors.

What treaty, signed on January 26, 1854, is mentioned as occurring during the 33rd Congress?

The Point No Point Treaty was signed on January 26, 1854, during the 33rd United States Congress. This treaty involved the United States and Native American tribes, though the specific tribes are not detailed in this text.

Which two territories were organized by legislation passed during the 33rd Congress?

The Kansas Territory and the Nebraska Territory were both organized by legislation enacted on May 30, 1854, during the 33rd United States Congress.

What was the total number of senators and representatives serving in the 33rd Congress?

The 33rd United States Congress consisted of 62 senators and 234 representatives. Additionally, there were 7 non-voting delegates.

How did the party composition of the Senate change from the beginning to the end of the 33rd Congress?

At the beginning of the 33rd Congress, the Senate had 35 Democrats, 23 Whigs, and 3 Free Soilers. By the end, the composition shifted to 37 Democrats, 17 Whigs, and 5 Free Soilers, with one seat becoming vacant. This indicates a net gain for Democrats and Free Soilers and a loss for Whigs.

How did the party composition of the House of Representatives change from the beginning to the end of the 33rd Congress?

At the start of the 33rd Congress, the House had 157 Democrats, 71 Whigs, 4 Free Soilers, 3 Independent Democrats, and 14 members from 'Other' affiliations. By the end, the numbers were 155 Democrats, 74 Whigs, 3 Free Soilers, 1 Independent Democrat, and 1 Independent Party member, showing a slight decrease in Democrats and a gain for Whigs.

Who served as President pro tempore of the Senate during the 33rd Congress, and were there multiple individuals in this role?

Yes, there were multiple individuals who served as President pro tempore of the Senate during the 33rd Congress. David R. Atchison served until December 4, 1854, followed by Lewis Cass on December 4, 1854, and then Jesse D. Bright from December 5, 1854.

Which senator from Connecticut switched party affiliation during the 33rd Congress?

Truman Smith, a Whig senator from Connecticut, resigned on May 24, 1854. He was succeeded by Francis Gillette, who was affiliated with the Free Soil party, indicating a party change for that seat.

Which senator from Massachusetts changed affiliation during the 33rd Congress?

Edward Everett, a Whig senator from Massachusetts, resigned on June 1, 1854. He was initially succeeded by Julius Rockwell, also a Whig, but later Henry Wilson, a Free Soiler, took the seat on January 31, 1855, reflecting a shift in party representation.

What was the purpose of the appropriation of $30,000 made by the U.S. Congress on March 3, 1855?

On March 3, 1855, the U.S. Congress appropriated $30,000 specifically to establish the U.S. Camel Corps. This initiative aimed to explore the use of camels for military and transportation purposes in the arid regions of the American Southwest.

How many senators were replaced due to various reasons during the 33rd Congress?

A total of 7 senators were replaced during the 33rd Congress. These changes were due to a combination of factors including deaths, resignations, and failures to elect successors.

What were the primary reasons for the changes in Senate membership during the 33rd Congress?

Changes in Senate membership during the 33rd Congress were primarily due to deaths (2 senators), resignations (4 senators), and failures to elect successors, which led to vacancies being filled later (5 instances). In total, 7 senators were replaced, resulting in 13 seats experiencing changes in occupancy.

How many House members were replaced, and what were the main reasons for these changes?

Eight House members were replaced during the 33rd Congress. The reasons for these changes included 4 deaths and 4 resignations. These replacements resulted in a net change of 2 seats for Democrats and a net gain of 3 seats for Whigs, while Free Soilers lost 1 seat.

Which specific congressional district in Pennsylvania saw a change in its representative due to death and subsequent replacement?

The 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania experienced a change in representation when its representative, Henry A. Muhlenberg (Democrat), died on January 9, 1854. He was succeeded by J. Glancy Jones, also a Democrat, who was installed on February 4, 1854.

Which House district in Massachusetts had its representative resign and was subsequently filled by a member of a different party?

The 1st congressional district of Massachusetts saw Zeno Scudder (Whig) resign on March 4, 1854. He was replaced by Thomas D. Eliot, also a Whig, who was seated on April 17, 1854. While the party remained the same, the specific seat changed hands.

What was the role of the United States Capitol in relation to the 33rd Congress?

The United States Capitol served as the meeting place for both the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 33rd Congress, which convened from March 4, 1853, to March 4, 1855. The image provided shows the Capitol building as it appeared around 1846.

Who chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during the 33rd Congress?

James M. Mason chaired the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations during the 33rd Congress. This committee plays a crucial role in advising the President on foreign policy matters.

Who led the Senate Committee on the Judiciary in the 33rd Congress?

Andrew P. Butler served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary during the 33rd Congress. This committee oversees matters related to federal law and the judicial system.

Which senator chaired the Senate Committee on Territories in the 33rd Congress?

Stephen A. Douglas chaired the Senate Committee on Territories during the 33rd Congress. This committee was particularly significant given the organization of new territories like Kansas and Nebraska during this period.

Who was the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means in the 33rd Congress?

George S. Houston served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means during the 33rd Congress. This committee is responsible for overseeing tax laws and government revenue.

Who chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs during the 33rd Congress?

Thomas H. Bayly chaired the House Committee on Foreign Affairs during the 33rd Congress. This committee handles legislation and oversight related to the United States' international relations.

What was the party affiliation of the Speaker of the House, Linn Boyd?

Linn Boyd, who served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 33rd Congress, was a member of the Democratic Party.

What was the party affiliation of the Senate President pro tempore, David R. Atchison?

David R. Atchison, who served as President pro tempore of the Senate at the beginning of the 33rd Congress, was a member of the Democratic Party.

Which senator from Massachusetts, Charles Sumner, was affiliated with which party?

Charles Sumner, a senator from Massachusetts during the 33rd Congress, was affiliated with the Free Soil party (FS).

What was the role of the United States Capitol building as depicted in the infobox image?

The image in the infobox shows the United States Capitol building as it appeared around 1846, serving as the physical seat of government where the legislative sessions of the 33rd Congress took place.

What does the 'Senate class number' indicate for senators serving in the 33rd Congress?

The Senate class number indicates the cycle of a senator's election. Class 1 senators were serving the second year of a six-year term, Class 2 senators were beginning their first year, and Class 3 senators were in their final year, requiring re-election in 1854.

How many states were represented in the Senate during the 33rd Congress?

The Senate during the 33rd Congress represented 31 states.

What was the net change in Senate seats for the Democratic Party during the 33rd Congress?

The Democratic Party experienced a net gain of 2 Senate seats during the 33rd Congress.

What was the net change in Senate seats for the Free Soil Party during the 33rd Congress?

The Free Soil Party saw a net gain of 3 Senate seats during the 33rd Congress.

What was the net change in Senate seats for the Whig Party during the 33rd Congress?

The Whig Party experienced a net loss of 2 Senate seats during the 33rd Congress.

How many House seats did the Democratic Party lose net during the 33rd Congress?

The Democratic Party experienced a net loss of 2 House seats during the 33rd Congress.

How many House seats did the Whig Party gain net during the 33rd Congress?

The Whig Party experienced a net gain of 3 House seats during the 33rd Congress.

How many House seats did the Free Soil Party lose net during the 33rd Congress?

The Free Soil Party experienced a net loss of 1 House seat during the 33rd Congress.

What was the total number of vacancies in the Senate at the beginning and end of the 33rd Congress?

At the beginning of the 33rd Congress, there was 1 vacant Senate seat. By the end of the Congress, the number of vacant Senate seats had increased to 2.

What was the total number of vacancies in the House of Representatives at the beginning and end of the 33rd Congress?

At the beginning of the 33rd Congress, there was 1 vacant House seat. By the end of the Congress, the number of vacant House seats remained at 0, indicating all seats were filled or accounted for.

Which specific House district in New York saw a change in representation due to resignation and a subsequent appointment?

The 29th congressional district of New York saw Azariah Boody (Whig) resign on October 13, 1853. He was succeeded by Davis Carpenter, also a Whig, who was seated on November 8, 1853.

What happened to the Senate seat for Iowa's 3rd class during the 33rd Congress?

Augustus C. Dodge, the Senator from Iowa representing the 3rd class, resigned on February 22, 1855, after being appointed as the U.S. Minister to Spain. The seat remained vacant for the remainder of the term.

Who was the Librarian of Congress during the 33rd Congress?

John Silva Meehan served as the Librarian of Congress during the 33rd Congress.

Who held the position of Architect of the Capitol during the 33rd Congress?

Thomas U. Walter served as the Architect of the Capitol during the 33rd Congress.

Who was the Secretary of the Senate during the 33rd Congress?

Asbury Dickins served as the Secretary of the Senate throughout the 33rd Congress.

Who served as the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate for most of the 33rd Congress?

Robert Beale served as the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate until March 17, 1853, after which Dunning R. McNair was elected to the position.

Who was the Clerk of the House of Representatives during the 33rd Congress?

John W. Forney served as the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives during the 33rd Congress.

33rd United States Congress Wiki: The 33rd Congress: Navigating a Nation Divided

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Legislative Overview

Legislative Term

The 33rd United States Congress convened from March 4, 1853, to March 4, 1855. This period coincided with the first two years of President Franklin Pierce's administration, a time marked by escalating sectional tensions over slavery and westward expansion.

Apportionment & Majority

Following the 1850 United States Census, the House of Representatives comprised 234 seats. Both the Senate and the House were predominantly controlled by the Democratic Party, though significant opposition parties, including the Whigs and the nascent Free Soil Party, were active.

Historical Context

This Congress operated during a critical juncture in American history. The Compromise of 1850 had temporarily eased tensions, but the underlying issues of states' rights, the expansion of slavery into new territories, and differing economic interests continued to divide the nation, setting the stage for future conflict.

Pivotal Events

Presidential Inauguration

Franklin Pierce was inaugurated as the 14th President on March 4, 1853. His presidency would become deeply entangled with the contentious issues of slavery and territorial expansion.

Vice Presidential Vacancy

Vice President William R. King, who had been sworn into office on the Capitol steps due to illness, died on April 18, 1853. This left the office of Vice President vacant for the remainder of the Congress, a rare occurrence.

Pacific Overture

In July 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry's "Black Ships" arrived in Edo Bay, Japan. This expedition marked the beginning of efforts to open Japan to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States, a significant foreign policy initiative.

Territorial Expansion

The Gadsden Purchase was finalized on December 30, 1853. This acquisition of approximately 29,670 square miles of land from Mexico facilitated the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and further fueled debates over the organization of western territories.

Political Realignment

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 galvanized opposition to the expansion of slavery. This led to the formation of the Republican Party, a coalition of anti-slavery Whigs, Free Soilers, and Democrats, fundamentally reshaping the American political landscape.

Key Legislation

Kansas-Nebraska Act

Passed on May 30, 1854, this act repealed the Missouri Compromise and allowed settlers in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. Its passage intensified sectional conflict and contributed to the formation of the Republican Party.

U.S. Camel Corps

On March 3, 1855, Congress appropriated $30,000 to establish the U.S. Camel Corps. This experimental initiative aimed to test the viability of camels as military transport animals in the arid regions of the American Southwest.

Significant Treaties

Point No Point Treaty

Signed on January 26, 1854, this treaty was one of several agreements between the United States and Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest, aiming to establish peace and define territorial boundaries.

Convention of Kanagawa

Concluded on March 31, 1854, this landmark treaty with Japan opened two Japanese ports, Shimoda and Hakodate, to American trade and provided for the humane treatment of shipwrecked American sailors. It marked the end of Japan's centuries-long isolation.

Territories Organized

Kansas Territory

Organized on May 30, 1854, the creation of Kansas Territory became a focal point of the slavery debate. The principle of "popular sovereignty" led to violent clashes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers, earning it the moniker "Bleeding Kansas."

Nebraska Territory

Also organized on May 30, 1854, the Nebraska Territory's formation was intrinsically linked to the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Its organization further inflamed sectional tensions and contributed to the political realignment that led to the Civil War.

Party Dynamics

Senate Composition

At the commencement of the 33rd Congress, the Senate consisted of 61 members, with the Democrats holding a significant majority. The party distribution saw shifts throughout the term due to elections and appointments.

Senate Party Distribution (Approximate):

Democrats (D): Majority, typically around 35-37 seats.
Whigs (W): Significant opposition, around 17-23 seats.
Free Soilers (FS): Growing influence, around 2-5 seats.
Know-Nothing (A): Emerging party, with a few seats.
Vacancies: Occasional vacancies occurred.

The political landscape was fluid, with party allegiances sometimes shifting.

House Composition

The House of Representatives, with 234 seats, also maintained a Democratic majority. The apportionment was based on the 1850 census, reflecting the nation's population distribution at the time.

House Party Distribution (Approximate):

Democrats (D): Majority, typically around 155-157 seats at the start.
Whigs (W): Substantial minority, around 71-74 seats.
Free Soilers (FS): A smaller bloc, around 2-4 seats.
Independent Democrats (ID) / Other: Minor representation.

The Whig party's decline was evident, contributing to the rise of new political alignments.

Key Leadership

Senate Leadership

The Vice President, William R. King, served as President of the Senate until his death in April 1853. The role of President pro tempore was held by David R. Atchison and later Jesse D. Bright, presiding in the Vice President's absence.

House Leadership

Linn Boyd of Kentucky served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives throughout the 33rd Congress. His leadership guided the legislative agenda of the Democratic majority in the lower chamber.

Membership & Representation

Senate Membership

The Senate comprised 62 members representing 31 states. Senators were elected by state legislatures, with terms staggered. The party composition reflected the national political divisions, with Democrats holding a clear majority.

The 33rd Congress saw 62 senators serving from 31 states. Key figures included Stephen A. Douglas (Illinois), Lewis Cass (Michigan), and William H. Seward (New York). The party affiliations were predominantly Democratic, with significant Whig and Free Soil representation, and the emergence of Know-Nothing influence.

House Membership

The House of Representatives included 234 members, with representation allocated based on the 1850 census. The Democratic Party maintained a strong majority, though the Whig party and Free Soilers represented significant blocs of opposition.

The 33rd Congress's House of Representatives featured 234 members. Prominent figures included Speaker Linn Boyd (D-KY) and representatives like Elihu B. Washburne (W-IL) and Galusha A. Grow (D-PA). The party breakdown showed a strong Democratic majority, with Whigs forming the primary opposition, and a smaller but vocal Free Soil contingent.

Membership Changes

Senate Transitions

The Senate experienced notable changes during this Congress due to deaths, resignations, and failures to elect successors. These shifts often resulted in party gains or losses, reflecting the dynamic political climate.

Significant transitions in the Senate included:

Deaths: Charles G. Atherton (D-NH), Moses Norris Jr. (D-NH).
Resignations: Solon Borland (D-AR), Pierre Soulé (D-LA), Edward Everett (W-MA), Truman Smith (W-CT), Julius Rockwell (W-MA).
Failure to Elect/Vacancies: Several states experienced vacancies due to legislative deadlock, with successors often appointed or elected later in the term.
Party Shifts: Notable gains for the Free Soil Party occurred in Massachusetts and Vermont.

House Transitions

The House of Representatives also saw frequent changes in membership. These alterations were driven by deaths, resignations, and the creation of new seats for newly organized territories.

Key changes in the House included:

Deaths: Brookins Campbell (D-TN), Henry A. Muhlenberg (D-PA).
Resignations: Azariah Boody (W-NY), Gilbert Dean (D-NY), Zeno Scudder (W-MA).
New Seats: Representation was established for Kansas Territory and Nebraska Territory following their organization.
Party Shifts: Several seats changed hands between Democrats and Whigs, and the Free Soil party saw some fluctuations.

Congressional Committees

Senate Committees

The Senate organized numerous committees to handle legislative business. Key committees and their chairmen included:

Foreign Relations: Chairman James M. Mason (D-VA)
Finance: Chairman Robert M.T. Hunter (D-VA)
Judiciary: Chairman Andrew P. Butler (D-SC)
Military Affairs: Chairman James Shields (D-IL)
Naval Affairs: Chairman William M. Gwin (D-CA)
Territories: Chairman Stephen A. Douglas (D-IL)

House Committees

The House of Representatives also established its committees, with chairmen leading various areas of legislative oversight and policy development.

Ways and Means: Chairman George S. Houston (D-AL)
Foreign Affairs: Chairman Thomas H. Bayly (D-VA)
Judiciary: Chairman Frederick P. Stanton (D-OH)
Military Affairs: Chairman William H. Bissell (D-IL)
Naval Affairs: Chairman Thomas S. Bocock (D-VA)
Territories: Chairman William A. Richardson (D-IL)

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References

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The 33rd Congress: Navigating a Nation Divided

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Legislative Overview ℹ️

🗓️ Legislative Term

⚖️ Apportionment & Majority

🌍 Historical Context

Pivotal Events ⭐

🇺🇸 Presidential Inauguration

⚰️ Vice Presidential Vacancy

🚢 Pacific Overture

🗺️ Territorial Expansion

💡 Political Realignment

Key Legislation 📜

🔥 Kansas-Nebraska Act

🐫 U.S. Camel Corps

Significant Treaties 🤝

🕊️ Point No Point Treaty

🌸 Convention of Kanagawa

Territories Organized 🗺️

🌽 Kansas Territory

🌾 Nebraska Territory

Party Dynamics 📊

🏛️ Senate Composition

👥 House Composition

Key Leadership 👑

⚖️ Senate Leadership

🗣️ House Leadership

Membership & Representation 👥

📜 Senate Membership

🏛️ House Membership

Membership Changes 🔄

⚖️ Senate Transitions

🗣️ House Transitions

Congressional Committees 📋

⚖️ Senate Committees

🗣️ House Committees

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Legislative Overview

Legislative Term

Apportionment & Majority

Historical Context

Pivotal Events

Presidential Inauguration

Vice Presidential Vacancy

Pacific Overture

Territorial Expansion

Political Realignment

Key Legislation

Kansas-Nebraska Act

U.S. Camel Corps

Significant Treaties

Point No Point Treaty

Convention of Kanagawa

Territories Organized

Kansas Territory

Nebraska Territory

Party Dynamics

Senate Composition

House Composition

Key Leadership

Senate Leadership

House Leadership

Membership & Representation

Senate Membership

House Membership

Membership Changes

Senate Transitions

House Transitions

Congressional Committees

Senate Committees

House Committees

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice