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Confederation Congress Sets The Beginning Of The New Government

1788

With the ratification of the Constitution, the outgoing Congress under the Articles of Confederation sets March 4, 1789, as the date on which the new federal government will begin. The House of Representatives is unable to establish a quorum to conduct business until April 1, and the Senate does not get its first quorum until April 6. George Washington is inaugurated as the first President on April 30,1789.