"The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day."
Comment: The Framers were careful to make sure that the executive branch did not control Congress. As a result, they did not consider adopting the British model, which the executive called Parliament to meet. Although the Framers did permit a provision allowing the President to call a special session of Congress for "extraordinary Occasions" as stated in Article 2, Section 3, the Framers maintained a bright separation-of-powers line.
Initially, the Framers argued over "when" to meet. Some wanted to meet in May because Europe met during the winter, which such result would arrive in the U.S. around spring; and it would be more conducive to travel. In the end, they decided on December because it would be more convenient for business owners and would coincide with State elections.
