Jefferson's Manual

The House of Representatives have incorporated 'Jefferson's Manual' into their rules. Originally prepared by the great man himself for use as the presiding officer of the Senate (He was Vice President under John Adams 1797-1801), it was formally adopted by the House in 1837. They decided that it "should govern the House in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the standing rules and order of the House and the joint rules of the Senate and the House of Representatives."

Jefferson had a life long interest in parliamentary practice. He studied parliamentary law under William Small whilst a young man at the College of William and Mary. He kept his own 'Parliamentary Pocket Book' where he recorded notes from his extensive reading on the subject. His own library included 36 books about parliamentary practice.