On April 7, 1789, the US Senate created a position called “doorkeeper.”  They appointed James T. Mathers to the position. Mathers’ job was to ensure that all senators showed up and stayed in the Senate Chamber ready to do the business of the government at hand. Because the United States Constitution required “a Quorum to do business,” all members needed to be present and ready when needed. At first, the Senate had difficulty establishing its first quorum. Their goal was reached the day before they elected their first doorkeeper.

The doorkeeper’s duties required him to make sure all senators were alert and ready for business, and it required him to keep them doing business for the duration of the time, undisturbed by others. They could not leave or “check-out” when things got dicey and dis…