What Is the Purpose of Inauguration Day?

A number of various traditions have developed surrounding Inauguration Day in the United States. Interestingly, the only specific mandate from the Constitution regarding the inauguration of the president is that the president must make an oath before he or she can enter the office of the presidency in the United States.

Today, Inauguration Day involves a number of festivals, speeches, balls, and parades. Inauguration Day is a time of celebration in the United States and signifies change for the country. Even if the president is reelected, it signifies the start of a new term and era in the country. It also celebrates the democratic process of the United States.

Date of Inauguration Day

Before 1933, Inauguration Day took place on March 4th. In 1933, however, the Twentieth Amendment altered the beginning and end of the terms of elected federal offices. It changed the end of a President’s term from March 4th to January 20th.

Now, Inauguration Day is January 20th every four years. The only exception is if January 20th falls on a Sunday. If that occurs, then the Inauguration Day takes place on January 21st. However, the newly elected President still gives his oath on January 20th, even if the official Inauguration Day is on January 21st.

The amendment was passed because there was simply too much time between the presidential elections and when the new president took office. In the nineteenth century, it made sense that the new President didn’t take office until March 4th. Often the new President needed a considerable amount of time to put affairs in order, and the journey from his home to the White House usually took weeks, if not months. However, by the thirties, transportation had been greatly improved and the newly elected President simply didn’t need as much time before entering the White House. Thus, the ending date for a presidential term was altered to reflect this.

Inauguration Ceremonies

The primary ceremony has changed locations over the years as well. For presidents Andrew Jackson through Jimmy Carter, the primary ceremony of Inauguration Day took place on the United States Capitol’s East Portico. However, in 1981, this was altered with the inauguration of Ronald Reagan.

The ceremony is now held at the United States Capitol’s West Front. Occasionally, if the weather is too severe or too cold, the ceremony will be moved indoors. The last inauguration that was moved indoors was the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan, in 1985.

Process for Swearing an Oath

The Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court traditionally swears the oath over the President. This tradition has existed since John Adams became President in 1789. The Vice-President is also sworn in on Inauguration Day, and he or she is sworn in before the President.

Oath of Office

Both the Vice-President and the President take similar oaths of office. Although the Constitution dictates a specific oath that the President must take, there is no specified oath that the Vice President must take. However, over the years, an oath has developed for the Vice-President. Since 1884, the Vice-President has taken the same oath of office.

Music

After the Vice-President takes his or her oath of office, the United States Marine Band performs four ruffles and flourishes, and then plays “Hail, Columbia.”

Post Oath Activities

The new term for the President begins at noon on January 20th, and this is when the new President takes his or her oath of office. The President then gives an inaugural address to the country. After the speech, the President participates in a variety of other activities, such as the Congressional luncheon and the Inauguration Ball.