**50th New York State Legislature**
**Definition:**
The 50th New York State Legislature was the legislative session of the state of New York that convened in 1827, comprising the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly. It was responsible for enacting laws and overseeing state governance during a period marked by political realignments and infrastructural development.
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## 50th New York State Legislature
The 50th New York State Legislature met in 1827 during the governorship of DeWitt Clinton. This legislative session was significant for its role in shaping New York’s political landscape amid the evolving party system and for addressing key issues related to infrastructure, finance, and state administration. The Legislature consisted of two houses: the Senate and the Assembly, with members elected from various districts across the state.
### Background
In the early 19th century, New York State was undergoing rapid growth and political transformation. The Erie Canal, completed in 1825, had dramatically altered the state’s economy and demographics, fostering increased commerce and migration. Politically, the era was characterized by the decline of the Federalist Party and the rise of new political factions, including the Bucktails and Clintonians, which would eventually evolve into the Democratic and Whig parties.
The 50th Legislature convened against this backdrop, with Governor DeWitt Clinton, a prominent advocate of internal improvements, serving his final term. The Legislature’s actions reflected the ongoing debates over state investment in infrastructure, banking regulation, and the expansion of suffrage.
### Composition
#### Senate
The New York State Senate was composed of 32 members elected from eight senatorial districts. Senators served four-year terms, with eight seats up for election each year. The districts were geographically defined, encompassing multiple counties.
– **Senatorial Districts:**
1. First District (Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk)
2. Second District (Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester)
3. Third District (Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie)
4. Fourth District (Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, Washington)
5. Fifth District (Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego)
6. Sixth District (Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans)
7. Seventh District (Allegany, Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins)
8. Eighth District (Cayuga, Onondaga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates)
The Senate was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor, who served as its President.
#### Assembly
The New York State Assembly consisted of 128 members elected annually from counties and cities. Assembly members served one-year terms, representing smaller constituencies than senators. The Assembly was led by a Speaker, elected by its members.
### Political Context
The 1820s in New York were marked by factionalism within the Democratic-Republican Party. The two main factions were:
– **Clintonians:** Supporters of Governor DeWitt Clinton, who championed internal improvements such as the Erie Canal.
– **Bucktails:** Led by Martin Van Buren, this faction opposed Clinton’s policies and sought to build a more disciplined party organization.
The 50th Legislature reflected these divisions, with debates often centering on patronage, infrastructure funding, and political appointments.
### Sessions
The 50th Legislature met in regular session beginning in January 1827. The exact dates of the session varied, but typically the Legislature convened in early January and adjourned in the spring.
#### Legislative Leadership
– **Lieutenant Governor (Senate President):** Nathaniel Pitcher
– **Speaker of the Assembly:** Erastus Root
### Major Legislation and Actions
The 50th Legislature addressed several important issues during its session:
#### Infrastructure and Internal Improvements
Following the success of the Erie Canal, the Legislature considered further investments in transportation infrastructure, including roads, canals, and river navigation improvements. These projects were seen as vital to sustaining economic growth and connecting the state’s diverse regions.
#### Banking and Finance
The Legislature debated banking regulations, including the chartering of banks and oversight of financial institutions. This was a period of expanding credit and speculation, which required legislative attention to prevent abuses and maintain economic stability.
#### Education
Efforts to improve public education were ongoing, with legislation aimed at supporting common schools and establishing standards for teachers and curricula.
#### Judicial and Administrative Reforms
The Legislature considered reforms to the state’s judicial system and administrative apparatus to improve efficiency and accountability.
### Membership
#### Senate
The Senate membership included experienced politicians and emerging leaders. Senators were elected from their respective districts, often reflecting local political dynamics.
#### Assembly
The Assembly was more fluid, with frequent turnover due to annual elections. Members represented counties and cities, bringing local concerns to the state capital.
### Committees
Both houses operated through committees that reviewed legislation and conducted investigations. Key committees included those on finance, judiciary, internal improvements, and elections.
### Political Developments
The 50th Legislature’s session contributed to the ongoing realignment of New York politics. The Bucktail faction, under Martin Van Buren’s leadership, was gaining strength, setting the stage for the formation of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, the Clintonians’ influence was waning following Governor Clinton’s declining health and political setbacks.
### Legacy
The 50th New York State Legislature played a role in shaping the state’s political and economic trajectory during a critical period. Its support for infrastructure projects helped solidify New York’s position as a commercial hub. The political struggles within the Legislature foreshadowed the emergence of new party systems and the modernization of state governance.
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## See Also
– New York State Legislature
– Erie Canal
– DeWitt Clinton
– Martin Van Buren
– Political history of New York (state)
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## References
*Note: This article is based on historical records and legislative documents from the early 19th century.*
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**Meta Description:**
The 50th New York State Legislature convened in 1827, overseeing key legislative actions during a period of political realignment and infrastructural growth in New York State. This session reflected the evolving party dynamics and economic development of the era.