The New Congress and George Washington’s Inauguration: Everything You Need to Know
The election of 2020 saw history unfolding, with the new Congress reflecting the changing demographic. In addition to ushering in the Biden-Harris administration, this Congress is the most diverse in history, introducing change in the nation’s legislative branch. Americans around the country are viewing the dawn of a new era for elected officials, but this history-making event mirrors another momentous occasion that took place more than two hundred years ago: George Washington’s inaugural ceremony.
George Washington inaugurated as the nation’s first President:
On April 30, 1789, the United States of America was born, when George Washington was elected the first President of the United States. After George Washington was sworn in as the first United States President in New York City, he faced the task of piecing together the fledgling new government and putting the framework of American democracy into action. Inauguration Day united citizens of the newly-formed United States as they watched history unfold.
The first Congress:
Just a month before Washington’s inauguration, the first Congress of the United States was formed in New York. They assembled with twenty-five elected members from eleven U.S. states. Despite a looming national debt and other economic issues, the first Congress managed to pass the first 12 Amendments to the Constitution and the Judiciary Act of 1789, which created the federal court system. Washington worked closely with Congress and signing sessions for the first Acts passed under the new Constitution to take place at his home in New York City.
George Washington’s inaugural address:
On April 30 around noon, Washington delivered his Inaugural Address, in which he thanked the people of the United States for the trust they placed in him. He also introduced his belief that the power to govern should come from the people, as outlined in the Constitution. In his address Washington reminded the citizens of their civic duty to constructively participate in government proceedings, noting that “it is our duty to proceed with caution and humility, to acquire knowledge, to hope for the best and prepare for the worst”.
The celebrations that followed:
Following Washington’s historic speech, a parade began at the State-House. According to a newspaper article from the time, the parade seemed to stretch on endlessly, with a multitude of government officials, military units, and militia members from faraway states. Once it arrived at the Bowling Green, citizens joined in with the traditional “13 Cannon Salute” and Washington received an ovation from all in attendance. Following the celebrations, everyone attended a dinner hosted by the new President, after which the festivities concluded.
George Washington’s impact on democracy:
George Washington’s victorious inauguration marked the beginning of freedom and democracy in the emerging United States. His remarkable leadership and commitment to the new government set a precedent for future leaders and made the United States of America the democracy it is today. Washington’s legacy lives on still and the nation owes much of the current state of governance in the United States to the nation’s very first president.
The first Congress and its importance for the nation today:
The first Congress marked the beginning of a new age of democracy in America and its importance is still evident today. The members of the first Congress were instrumental in forming the institutions that were necessary for the survival and growth of the fledgling United States such as the government, the court system, and the military. Without these early settlers and the decisions that they made in the very first Congress, the United States would not be what it is today.
The election of 2020 is being characterized as a watershed moment in American history and the new Congress proves that the nation is ready to embrace the changing demographics and groundbreaking diversity amongst its elected officials. However, it is important to remember another defining moment that shaped the United States of America as we know it today: George Washington’s presidential inauguration. It marked the beginning of a new era of democracy and freedom in the country and has since been credited with setting the precedent of the effective and efficient American government that the United States enjoys today. From the first Congress to its long-standing legacy, the impact of George Washington’s leadership is still tangible today.
