The
United States of America gained control of the Philippines following the 1898
Spanish–American War and the subsequent
Philippine–American War.
First nationwide elections In accordance with the Philippine Organic Act, the Philippine Commission conducted a
census in 1903, published on March 25, 1905. Although several parties and
independent candidates ran for the Assembly, two political parties dominated, the
Nacionalista Party and the
Progresista Party. The
Nacionalista Party, which was in favor of "immediate and complete independence" from the United States and was led by future President
Sergio Osmeña, captured a majority of the 80-seat Assembly.
First Philippine Legislature On October 16, 1907, the Philippine Assembly was inaugurated at the
Manila Grand Opera House. It was proved that Gomez was a Spanish citizen and a new election for his seat was called. Gomez still ran in the election and beat Lukban by a larger margin, about 400 votes. Gomez was permitted to take his seat, but not after seven months has passed, and after Osmeña was elected Speaker on October 16, 1907, with Quezon as the majority floor leader. The defeat of the Progresistas in the elections hastened their downfall; the Nacionalista Party will continue to dominate the elections for the legislature, and the Progresistas, and later their successor the Democratas, will remain in opposition. The First Philippine Assembly is best remembered to reigniting efforts towards independence and for improving education in the Philippines. ==Election, qualifications, and responsibility of members==