The very first official federal law established in the United States under the current U.S. Constitution was "An Act to Regulate the Time and Manner of Administering Certain Oaths," signed into law by President George Washington on June 1, 1789. Following the ratification of the Constitution, the newly formed First United States Congress quickly enacted several foundational laws to build the infrastructure of the American government. The Very First Federal Laws 1789 The Oath Act on June 1, 1789: Officially titled An Act to Regulate the Time and Manner of Administering Certain Oaths, this was the first piece of legislation passed by Congress. It formalized the simple, mandatory pledge required by Article VI of the Constitution for all federal and state officials: "I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States." Portions of this law remain on the books today. The Hamilton Tariff / Tariff Act on July 4, 1789: Officially An Act for Laying a Duty on Goods, Wares, and Merchandises Imported into the United States. This was the country's second official law and its first financial legislation, designed to raise revenue for the new government and protect domestic manufacturing. The Collection Act on July 31, 1789: Created the United States Customs Service and established ports of entry to collect the newly enacted import tariffs. The Judiciary Act of 1789 on September 24, 1789: One of the most monumental early laws, it structured the federal court system. While Article III of the Constitution created the Supreme Court, this act established its size, initially six justices, created the federal district and circuit courts, and established the office of the Attorney General. Pre-Constitution and Foundational "Laws" Depending on how "laws" are defined, the timeline of early American governance also includes: The Articles of Confederation were Ratified March 1, 1781: This served as the first constitution of the United States, binding the original thirteen states together before the modern Constitution took effect in 1789. The Northwest Ordinance on July 13, 1787: Passed by the Confederation Congress before the modern federal government was established, this structured the territory northwest of the Ohio River. It set the precedent for how the U.S. would expand westward, admitted new states on equal footing, and banned slavery within the territory. The U.S. Constitution went In effect March 4, 1789: The supreme law of the land, which created the three co-equal branches of the federal government. The Bill of Rights was Ratified December 15, 1791: The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which established explicit legal protections for individual liberties like speech, religion, and due process. A Legacy of "Firsts" in American History As the nation grew, Congress established the first legislative frameworks for other vital elements of American society: Naturalization Act of 1790 on March 26, 1790: The first law establishing rules for granting U.S. citizenship. Patent Act of 1790 on April 10, 1790: The first law to grant and regulate intellectual property. Indian Removal Act onMay 28, 1830: The first major piece of legislation altering federal-tribal relations, authorizing the forced relocation of Native Americans. Revenue Act of 1861 on August 5, 1861: Passed during the Civil War to fund the Union army, this introduced the first federal income tax in U.S. history. Civil Rights Act of 1866 on April 9, 1866: The nation's first civil rights law, which defined U.S. citizenship and declared that all citizens are equally protected under the law. Sherman Antitrust Act of July 2, 1890: The first federal antitrust law, making monopolies and trusts illegal.
