The Thirty-Fourth Congress of the United States convened from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857. It was marked by significant political tensions, particularly surrounding the issues of slavery and territorial expansion. This Congress included the House of Representatives and the Senate, with members from various political parties, including the newly formed Republican Party. During this period, key legislation was debated, including the controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed territories to decide on the legality of slavery. The Congress also faced challenges related to Native American relations and the growing sectional divide between the North and South, setting the stage for future conflicts.