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Civics Series: Presidential Inaugurations
History of Presidential Inaugurations
Why on January 20?
In 1933, it seemed that a four-month transition between an outgoing “lame-duck” president, who was voted out in November, and a new administration starting in March was too long.
Indeed, during the winter of 1932–1933, a horrific battle between the incumbent Herbert Hoover and President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt complicated FDR’s ability to deal with the failed economy resulting from the Great Depression.
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution was adopted in 1933 to move the Presidential Inauguration (and its corresponding end date of term service) from March 4 to noon on January 20. The amendment also made provisions should a President die during his term, resign, or be removed from office. As we saw in my previous article, presidential transitions were not always smooth.
How have Presidential Inaugurations changed throughout American history, what’s the official oath of office, where is it done, and what have been some novel Presidential Inaugurations?