5th United States Congress

In the context of the Quasi-War with France, the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by Congress.

[1] The apportionment of seats in this House of Representatives was based on the 1790 United States census.

Senators were elected by the state legislatures every two years, with one-third beginning new six-year terms with each Congress.

Preceding the names in the list below are Senate class numbers, which indicate the cycle of their election.

The count below reflects changes from the beginning of this Congress There were 9 resignations, 2 deaths, 1 expulsion, 1 late selection, and 2 elections to replace appointees.

President of the Senate Thomas Jefferson
Senators' party membership by state at the opening of the 5th Congress in March 1797.
2 Democratic-Republicans
1 Democratic-Republican and 1 Federalist
2 Federalists
President pro tempore of the Senate Jacob Read
Speaker of the House Jonathan Dayton