27th Congress of the United States
The 27th Congress of the United States , consisting of the House and Senate , was the legislature of the United States . Its legislative period lasted from March 4, 1841 to March 4, 1843. All members of the House of Representatives and a third of the senators ( Class II ) were elected in the 1840 congressional elections. There was a majority for the Whig Party in both chambers . The Democratic Party had to accept its role as the opposition party. The congress met in the American capital Washington, DC At that time the United States consisted of 26 states. Presidents were William Henry Harrison and after his death John Tyler . The distribution of seats in the House of Representatives was based on the 1830 census .
Important events
- March 4, 1841: Beginning of the legislative period of the 27th Congress. At the same time, the new President William H. Harrison is introduced into office. He replaces Martin Van Buren .
- The Indian wars continue throughout the legislative period .
- April 4, 1841: President Harrison dies after only one month in office. Successor is Vice President John Tyler. This is the first time in American history that a president dies in office. As a result, a dispute arises over the position of a president promoted from the vice-president. It is about rights and powers as well as the address. Tyler is setting a precedent. He calls himself the normal President and not Acting (incumbent) President. He also takes on the regular presidential duties. This is what all American presidents follow who move up from the office of vice president to the highest office of the state.
- May 19, 1842: The so-called Dorr Rebellion breaks out in Rhode Island .
- August 9, 1842: The Webster-Ashburton Treaty establishes the border east of the Rocky Mountains between the United States and British Canada.
- 1842: In the US congressional elections, the Whig Party wins a majority in the Senate and the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives.
The main laws
During the session of the 27th Congress, the following federal laws were passed ( see also: Legislative procedure ):
- April 19, 1841: Bankruptcy Act of 1841
- September 4, 1841: Preemption Act of 1841
- August 4, 1842: Armed Occupation Act
- August 30, 1842: Tariff of 1842
Composition according to parties
senate
- Democratic Party: 20
- Whig Party: 29
- Others (0
- Vacant: 3
Total: 52 at the end of the legislative period
House of Representatives
- Democratic Party: 100
- Whig Party: 139
- Others: 2
- Vacant: 1
Total: 242 at the end of the legislative period
There were also three congressional delegates who were not entitled to vote
Public officials
senate
- President of the Senate : John Tyler (W) until April 4, 1841, after which the office was vacant.
- President per tempore : William R. King (D) until March 11, 1841, then Samuel L. Southard (W) until May 31, 1842 and then Willie Person Mangum (W).
House of Representatives
- House Speaker : John White (W)
Senate members
The following senators represented their respective states in the 27th Congress:
Members of the House of Representatives
The following congressmen represented the interests of their respective states in the 27th Congress:
Members of the House of Representatives who are not entitled to vote:
- Florida Territory : David Levy Yulee (D)
- Iowa Territory : Augustus C. Dodge (D)
- Wisconsin Territory : Henry Dodge (D)
Web links
- bioguide.congress.gov (by entering 27 under Year OR Congress: you get a list of the members of the 27th Congress with a link to the official biographies; English)