The first national legislative assembly in the United States which met in 1774. in pursuance of a recommendation made by Massachusetts and adopted by the other colonies. In this congress all the colonies were represented except Georgia. The delegates were in some cases chosen by the legislative assemblies in the states; in others by the people directly. The powers of the congress were undefined but it proceeded to take measures and pass resolutions which concerned the general welfare and had regard to the inauguration and prosecution of the War for Independence.