![Art & History](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090825235738im_/http://clerk.house.gov/images/headers/a_highlightsheader.jpg)
Subjects – Constitution
The Articles of Confederation
November 15, 1777
On this date, the Continental Congress adopted and sent to the state legislatures a plan for the inaugural national government under the Articles of Confederation (approved by the states in March 1781).
The opening of the First Congress in New York City
March 04, 1789
The First Congress was scheduled to meet in New York City on this date, though it failed to achieve the quorum necessary to conduct business.
Representative James Madison of Virginia
May 04, 1789
On this date, Representative James Madison of Virginia announced his intention to introduce a resolution to create a bill of rights.
The Oath of Office bill
May 18, 1789
The Oath of Office Bill, the first legislative act of Congress, passed the House of Representatives on this date.
The 27th Amendment
September 25, 1789
On this date, the First Congress (1789–1791) submitted the original 12 amendments to the Constitution, crafted by Representative James Madison of Virginia, to the states for ratification.
Rhode Island’s ratification of the Constitution
May 29, 1790
On this date, Rhode Island became the 13th state to enter the Union after ratifying the Constitution.
The first time the House exercised its constitutional power to declare war
June 04, 1812
The House adopted a war resolution against Great Britain and Ireland, marking the first time it exercised its constitutional power to declare war.
Representative Thetus Sims of Tennessee
April 25, 1852
On this date, Representative Thetus Sims of Tennessee was born in Waynesboro, Tennessee.
A bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia
April 11, 1862
On this date, the House approved a bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia by a vote of 92 to 38.
The 13th Amendment
January 31, 1865
On this date, the House passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States.
The first African American to speak in the House Chamber
February 12, 1865
On this date, Preacher Henry Highland Garnet became the first African American to speak in the House Chamber when he addressed a crowd of worshippers.
The Civil Rights Bill of 1866
April 09, 1866
On this date, the House overrode President Andrew Johnson’s veto of the Civil Rights Bill of 1866 with near unanimous Republican support, 122 to 41, marking the first time Congress legislated upon civil rights.
The veto of the Omnibus Southern States Admission Bill
June 25, 1868
On this date, President Andrew Johnson submitted to Congress his veto of the Omnibus Southern States Admission Bill (H.R. 1058).
The first woman to address a congressional committee
January 11, 1871
On this date, Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to address a congressional committee.
Suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s petition to the 43rd Congress
January 22, 1874
On this date, suffragist Susan B. Anthony’s petition to the 43rd Congress (1873–1875) regarding a fine she received for illegal voting was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
The ratification of the 16th Amendment
February 03, 1913
On this date, the states of Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico approved the 16th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution, ratifying it into law.
The House’s 1918 passage of a constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote
January 10, 1918
The House passed a constitutional amendment granting Women in Congress the right to vote by a count of 274 to 136
The Volstead Act
October 28, 1919
On this date, the 66th Congress (1919–1921) overrode President Woodrow Wilson’s veto of the National Prohibition Act.
The 19th Amendment
August 26, 1920
On this date, Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby proclaimed the 19th Amendment—extending the vote to women—ratified as part of the Constitution.
The 20th Amendment
January 03, 1935
On this date, the 74th Congress (1935–1937) became the first to convene for opening day in fulfillment of the requirements of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.
The 24th Amendment
August 27, 1962
On this date in 1962, the House passed the 24th Amendment, outlawing the poll tax as a voting requirement in federal elections, by a vote of 295 to 86.